By Lily Sternlieb ’24, Staff Writer

Chart Comparing 2018-2020 Young Voters Activism from Tufts University

November 3rd has passed, the season of debates and campaign commercials have ended, and the election is finally over. Although America has elected a new President to lead in the White House, the true winners of the election, putting aside political affiliation and party, were young voters. 

For decades, young people have been perceived as being unreliable and lazy with respect to engagement and voter turnout. Since 1972, the percentage of young people voting in local, state, and national elections has continued to decrease. However, recent polling for the 2020 election has shown an increase in youth interest in the political system, with a particularly unprecedented level of involvement from the age group 18-29. 

According to The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University, 51 percent of young people voted in 2020, compared to 42 percent in 2016. The Center’s research also indicates a surge in enthusiasm in all types of political activity, not exclusively voting. The percentage of youth who’ve donated, volunteered and participated in a political movement has risen significantly since 2018. A senior at Newark Academy said, “I think that young people are using their voice in any way they can. Even when they’re too young to vote, they volunteer their time for candidates they believe in.” This rise of engagement demonstrated that young people’s passivity in elections is for the most part a remnant of the past. A majority of young people are not only voting, but participating in every aspect of elections, from organizing to politically educating family and friends. All around the country, young people are becoming involved in and more knowledgeable about politics. 

Another senior at Newark Academy noted, “Now more than before, young people are realizing that their votes impact their daily lives and I think that young people are acting with more empathy for their communities.” Youth in America are developing opinions on candidates, policy, and process and expressing their views through the ballot box.   

While many young people are becoming more active in the political debate, some young voters are still skeptical and suspicious of both political parties and the election system in general. A Tufts University research poll found that in 2018, 82 percent of young people were worried about American values and 57 percent of young Americans were losing confidence in our democracy. This distrust has only increased due to the polarization in our political system. For young people in particular, cynicism of government contributes to the lack of involvement and detachment from politics. Many feel that their voice is insignificant and unimportant. 

A Newark Academy student’s sibling explained, “I think many are disillusioned, feeling like both political parties have not delivered on promises and goals and that it’s, therefore, a waste of time. That disillusionment leads to lower voter turnout.” Another senior from NA said, “I believe American politics has been incredibly partisan and divisive over the past several years, in many ways a result of politicians and their advocates on both sides of the aisle resorting to cheap shots and political opportunism.” 

While young people are registering and voting, many casting their ballots still feel that their voices and perspectives are neglected and unheard. Nevertheless, this period of muffled and silenced youth is gradually coming to a close. The election demonstrated that young people are a significant part of the electorate and cannot be overlooked, creating a rich and diverse legacy for America’s future.