Will Gen Z and Millennials Continue to Show Up For Elections?

Mallory Wilson
Nov 6 · 3 min read
A voter dons an I Voted sticker.

Election day is set to take place on Tues. Nov. 5, 2019 and after the midterm voter turnout reaching a high in the 2018 midterm election with Millennials and Generation Z being two of the largest percentages to show up at the polls, some factors may drive these individuals to the polls this year.

Election day 2019 is an off-year election, the vast majority of these elections are local and held at the county and municipal level.

The online directions to register to vote.

Who are Millennials and Generation Z?

Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are the generation that follows Generation X and precedes Generation Z. The years that this group usually entails range from the early 1980’s to the mid 1990’s. Generation Z on the other hand ranges from the mid 1990’s and may end around 2010, although it is disputed.

Each generation is usually distinguished by not only their birth year, but also by specific characteristics. Millennials have been said to be the most ethnically diverse generation. For Generation Z, they are usually described as being comfortable with technology and social media, since they have been using it since a young age.

How the numbers show their participation?

According to Pew Research Center’s analysis, Millennials and Generation Z along with Generation X, which make up the three youngest generations, were reported to have cast 62.2 million votes in the 2018 midterm elections. This was higher than the 60.1 million votes by the Baby Boomer and older generations.

Pew Research Center analysis showing reported votes cast. Courtesy of Pew Research Center.

In 2014, Generation Z started turning voting age eligible and since then have cast 4.5 million votes.

Pew Research Center analysis showing turnout. Courtesy of Pew Research Center.

What causes them to show up?

There’s no denying that the younger generations tend to be more outspoken about issues that they are passionate about. Protests upon protests have occurred with young people at the forefront.

“I think one of the main issues bringing voters out today is healthcare, whether it be universal or not, women’s rights, abortion rights. Another issue for me especially is climate change how we’re going to address that and how we’re going to move forward with that in the future,” said Samantha Alaimo, 22.

A campaign sign for candidate George Hignell who is running for reciever of taxes.

Some millennials and Generation Z care about the issues that will be affecting them directly in the near future. They look for candidates who are going to represent the change they want.

“I wish the candidates covered climate change more,” said Alaimo. “Another thing I wish they covered more is student loan debt. These things are serious and they need to be addressed.”

“Most candidates obviously talk about issues such as taxes in their campaigns but I would like to see more focus on building the community and initiatives to help the people for whom they will be running to represent,” said Michael Senatore, 18.


Here is some audio along with interviews of young voters.
Mallory Wilson

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Welcome to my blog! I am a junior journalism major with a double minor in political science and Spanish at Hofstra University!

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