09 Sep Young Voters Like Me Have a Lot to Weigh This Election

(Photo by Edmond Dantès on Pexels)

Commentary, America Leon

Only a couple months from the upcoming presidential election, discussions surrounding presidential candidates, forthcoming debates, and political platforms have consistently been atop headlines, social media explore pages, and people’s minds. The current frenzy surrounding the election — and possibly some naive hopefulness — has sparked my excitement as a first-time voter, making me eager to cast my ballot come November. 

Understandably, however, other eligible young voters have displayed a reasonable hesitancy to vote and a valid disdain for American politicians, including the candidates on the Democratic and Republican tickets. 

Although youth voter turnout has historically been lower than other age groups, various factors are likely to make this election cycle particularly distinct, including the alarming fact that recent issues have fostered a tremendous divide among voters in both parties. 

>>>Analysis: Weighing the Issues, Gen Z Poised to Play Big Role in 2024 Election<<<

Before current President Joe Biden decided to drop out of the presidential race, he received heavy criticism for his age and poor handling of the war in Gaza. When Vice President Kamala Harris was named the official Democratic presidential nominee, prospective voters scrutinized her record as San Francisco district attorney. And Republican nominee Donald Trump’s inciting an insurrection and disrespect of the transfer of power at the end of his prior presidential term present a tremendous threat to democracy. 

Social media could also significantly influence the election’s outcome, even more so among the youth vote. In the past few months, Harris’s social media presence has aroused unprecedented and unparalleled attention from young Americans. Through viral videos and memes referencing some of Harris’s previous quotes, as well as by engaging with recent trends like “brat summer,” her campaign has undoubtedly captured the attention of eligible Gen Z and young millennial voters. 

>>>Read: ‘Kamala IS Brat’: Will Gen Z Rally Around Kamala Harris?<<<

Celebrity endorsements have also bolstered Harris’s campaign: Charli XCX, Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B and Sheryl Lee Ralph have all taken to social media to express their support for Harris’s presidential campaign. 

The extensive engagement and burst of support Harris has garnered in only a short matter of months through this social media-centric campaign strategy is indicative of a newly energized Democratic party and could prove to be fruitful for Harris in November. 

While it has appeared to be an effective tool for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign and increasing young voter engagement thus far, all prospective first-time voters must continue to be wary of the potential consequences of acquiring political information on social media. 

>>>Read: Political News Is in Its ‘Double-Checking Era’<<<

Falling into internet echo chambers can be dangerous: heightening political polarization, breeding extremists, and hindering digital media literacy. To avoid succumbing to confirmation biases and falling victim to misinformation with the rise of A.I., now, more than ever, it is important to have political conversations, seek out alternative sources of information, learn about the perspectives of those we disagree with, and verify the credibility of the information we consume via social media. 

Other aspects of this election have not received as much media attention amid the buzz of the presidential race. 

Notably, the election’s outcome could also influence the future of the Supreme Court should any justices retire in the next four years. The present conservative majority in the Supreme Court has had immense consequences, including the overturning of Roe V. Wade and the reversal of affirmative action in college admissions. 

This year’s election is also significant due to the critical propositions eligible voters will see on the ballot. In California, for example, Proposition 6 aims to end involuntary servitude as punishment for crimes in state prisons. Other measures relating to health care, minimum wage, and same-sex marriage will also be on the California ballot. 

While I am eager to vote for the first time and feel empowered by the potential increase in youth voter engagement, the reality is that there is much at stake in November, and young voters like myself have much to consider before casting their ballots.