Gen-Z to head to the polls in upcoming election

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — This year’s election will see a growing population of young voters, specifically Gen Z. The extra engagement has come from tactics like social media politicians have used to try and target one of their most impacted age groups.

28/22 News Reporter Gianna Galli spoke with a diverse population of Gen Z-ers and political experts regarding the connection between the youthful generation and our politicians.

It was move-in day for first-year students at Wilkes University on Thursday.

As they made their way around campus, there was plenty on their minds, including the November election.

“It’s pretty much forced on you everywhere,” said first-year student Joe Hamburger

Hamburger, who plans to vote in November, was one of several students 28/22 News spoke with about the role and impact Gen Z will have on the 2024 presidential election.

More than 40,000,000 Gen Z-ers those born between 1997 and 2012 will be able to vote in November.

8,000,000 will cast their ballots for the first time and there are many factors that could influence who they choose.

“I think we are getting more voters from the Gen Z generation and I think for politicians to meet that audience where it’s at is so cool,” said Lindsey Scorey, a Master Student.

Scorey is talking about posts to TikTok like one from the Democratic Party Nominee Tim Walz.

The social media app resonates strongly with Gen Z and celebrity artists taking the stage during the democratic national convention.

“You want that tactic to get them involved but if it’s used the wrong way it could backfire,” said Senator Tom Carper of Delaware Staff intern Thomas Dessoye.

Inflation, reproductive rights, and climate change are key issues that will have a great impact on the younger generation.

But these issues are a lot to think about at a young age and one wilkes-university professor feels it’s all added to a challenging time.

“That 18 to 30 time frame you are trying to figure out what you want as an adult what you want to be. What we know in regards to political science research is that usually people by the time they turn 25, they start to figure out who they are, what they believe, what their values are,” said Wilkes-University Associate Professor of Political Science Benjamin Toll.

Some students at the University of Scranton feel those concerns may ultimately influence Gen Z’s engagement in this election.

“A lot of them are very opinionated, they have good thoughts that are worth hearing but a lot of people might not feel confident in sharing them,” said University of Scranton Vice President of the College of Democrats Grace Lennox.

“It’s this interesting link of like if they see us, they care about us, we feel seen by them, so we are going to vote for them because they can speak for us and make change for us,” said the Incoming President of University of Scranton Democrats Brigid Carlin.

According to a poll done by the Associated Press 36% of Gen Z identify with the Democratic Party.

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