Young voter registrations on the rise nationwide, including North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – The new presidential matchup between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has seemingly energized young voters.

Leaders from all political parties are keenly aware of how important it is to get them.

“We are seeing people who were not awake before, and now they’re awake. They see how critical this election is and what’s at stake,” said Pauline Ashcraft with the North Carolina Federation of Young Republicans.

“I think even just to elect our first female is a historic opportunity that excites young people, and we love to see this glass ceiling broken,” said College Democrats of North Carolina President Nathan Linville.

So, how energized has it been? According to Votes.com, 40,000 people registered to vote in the 48 hours after President Joe Biden announced he would drop out and endorse Vice President Harris.

It also shows that 80% of those new voters are between the ages of 18 and 34. Even still, some people that CBS 17 caught up with were less than enthusiastic.

“I am not super excited, but I am still going to vote,” said Mary Lipetzky.

We also found one young person who’s 29 years old and never bothered to vote.

“I haven’t liked our candidates, and I just have never really voted,” said Joby Heckler.

The State Board of Elections in North Carolina reports that 3,283 people have registered to vote since Monday, and 510 of them are under 34. But there’s one incredibly excited group.

“It’s important for people of color to vote because people fought long and hard for us to have this right,” said Amir Brandon.

The final day to register to vote in North Carolina for the General Election is set for Oct. 11.

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