By Jackie Rogers, Tatum Owens, Reagan Stone

When young people vote, we have a drastic impact. In the 2020 presidential election, more than half of 18- to 29-year-olds voted. With just an 11-point increase from 2016, the youth vote led to a decisive victory for now President Biden. Despite this increase in civic engagement, many young voters believe that our democracy still faces existential risks and that our government is incapable of addressing critical issues that Gen Z and Millennial voters value. So, how do we acknowledge these larger issues at play and rally a response from young voters that crushes authoritarian threats? 

We talked with Jeffrey Clemmons, an organizing manager for Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, Gracie Israel, a Texas Rising program coordinator, and Alexis Kosloski, a student activist who fights for accessible voting, to hear about what’s top of mind for young voters right now, and how progressives can effectively activate this all-important voting bloc.

Attendees listen as President Joe Biden speaks during a rally. Ed Jones, AFP

Voting Power and The American Dream

“Our generation definitely views the American dream a lot differently in terms of what we want to see out of it,” said PPTV Organizing Manager Jeffrey Clemmons. “So there's a frustration with the expectations that I think previous generations have had for us and the expectations that people continue to have for us, that our dreams are different and they necessarily have to be different.” This belief and understanding of what it means to be an American has deeply impacted how young people perceive their voting power concerning top issues like equity and affordability, and how they engage with their communities.

Furthermore, there are many obstacles that prevent people from fully seeing their vote’s importance. Efforts that reduce voting access and increase voter suppression include wide-scale gerrymandering seen in the most recent census incorporating this new generation, corporate lobbying influence over elected officials, and even the Electoral College (65% of Americans believe the President should be elected by the popular vote). 

So, if you want to see elections become more democratic, you must join the historic efforts fought by people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, and many other marginalized communities and their struggles against Jim Crow laws, blatant racism, and sexism. Continue their legacy by using your voting power and other vital means of civic engagement like organizing your community.

Growing Civic Engagement

With a diverse, grassroots platform being built from the ground up, the big tent will flourish. Imagine what else Millennials and Gen Z could accomplish if we continue to bring our issues and concerns to local and state parties, elections, and interest groups during non-election years. Our guest Alexis Kosloski said, “We tend as a younger generation to show and display what we believe in, not just voting at the ballot box. And we bring our activism into our daily lives…Apathy is not really a concern. We actually perceive our vote as something politicians need to earn.”

According to Texas Rising’s Gracie Israel, “Gen Z is one of the most outspoken and progressive groups of voters who now make up 44% of the national electorate as of 2024.” We must meet these voters with avenues and strategies to join the movement. Israel said, “There's a lot that goes into community organizing from simply getting access to a printer to print, and then as big as mobilizing students and volunteers to drive out to Austin to talk to their state representatives about issues that are most pressing and important to us.”

Join the movement

Young voters, our voices are more powerful than ever. Our vote is a seat at the table, a beacon of hope for a future where truth and justice prevail, but so is our participation beyond the ballot. If you want to hear more of our interview and discover how young progressive voters can make a difference, listen to our Happy Hour Episode 158: Activating and Inspiring Young Progressive Voters in Texas.

If you’re interested in ways to be more civically engaged, we’ve got you covered.

What’s next:

• Election Day, Nov. 5, will be here before you know it and all you need to know is at Govotetexas.org.
• Aug. 1 is Poll Worker Appreciation Day! Volunteer to protect democracy by becoming an elections worker or poll monitor at protectthevote.net or the Secretary of State website.
• Want to be part of building and strengthening the party of the people? Join the Texas Progressive Caucus.