The right to vote is arguably the most important constitutional right guaranteed to Americans. All American citizens above the age of 18 are eligible to register and vote in U.S. elections. However, a major problem remains: despite the voting age being 18 years old, not enough young people above this threshold actually vote.
In the 2020 U.S. presidential election, an estimated 50% of American voters aged 18 to 29 did not vote. In the six presidential elections since 2000, only one of them, 2008, had a turnout greater than 50%. Notably, these metrics are from the country’s biggest election; for other kinds of elections like midterms, turnout among young voters is even lower. Data from the 2022 midterm elections show that young voter turnout was only 23% nationally. This was down from the 28% during the 2018 cycle. These numbers prove a recurring theme: too many young voters do not participate in elections.
There are various reasons to explain why young voter turnout is so low. This issue may be slightly less disheartening when placed in the context of other kinds of political participation. Low election turnout over the years has been paired with increases in other methods of activism. Mass protests, as well as the increased use of social media has become the new platform of political engagement according to research by the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. These trends are especially pronounced among the younger generation.
A survey by ABC News of more than 8,000 Americans showed that people aged 18 to 34 have less faith in the U.S. political system compared to older generations. Furthermore, one of eligible the main reasons the youngest group of voters do not vote as much is because they experience more obstacles when voting. According to the survey, 22% of people said they wanted to cast a ballot but could not. Nearly 20% of adults said they had to wait more than an hour in line to vote. A similar number of people also said they could not get off work to go and vote. These trends are more pronounced in young people that are busier with work or just do not have the time to stand in line. Other reasons include not receiving the ballot in time (usually in the form of mailed absentee ballots), missing the registration deadline and trouble accessing their polling place.
Voting is an essential part of any democracy; it is a chance for everyone to make their voice heard and participate in government. With a presidential election coming up in one month, as much voter turnout as possible is essential for results that truly represent the voice of America’s future.
