Navigator and NextGen America Release COVID-19 Public Opinion Polling that Shows Young People, Particularly Young People of Color, are Being Hit Hard by COVID-19
The economic insecurity facing young Americans will undoubtedly affect how this demographic views the November election
Findings from a poll released by NextGen America and the Hub Project today show that young people are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus crisis. The poll, conducted by Navigator from March 20 to April 11, shows that 75 percent of people 18 to 34 years old have lost work or have family members who have lost work, and 75 percent have lost income or have family members who have lost income. Young Americans are also most likely to fall behind on bills and be unable to afford an emergency medical expense.
Furthermore, young people disapprove of Trump’s handling of the pandemic, with 55 percent reporting disapproval compared to 41 percent reporting approval. 64 percent say Trump did not take the threat of coronavirus seriously enough. Young people of color are particularly dissatisfied with Trump’s response, with 66 percent saying he did not take the crisis seriously enough.
| Issue | Total | Younger Americans
(18 to 34) | Older
Americans (65 or older) |
| You or your family members losing income from reduced hours at work | 65% | 75% | 49% |
| You or your family members losing their job | 61% | 75% | 45% |
| The mental health of a family member or friend | 61% | 75% | 46% |
| Falling behind on bills | 56% | 68% | 32% |
| Being unable to afford an emergency medical expense | 55% | 68% | 38% |
“The data are showing a pattern that’s familiar across all issues in America—young people are hit particularly hard in times of crisis,” NextGen America Executive Director Ben Wessel said. “We need a social safety net that protects people who are at risk of contracting the coronavirus, losing their jobs and health care, and suffering other potential consequences. We need candidates for office to recognize this and act accordingly”
“Part of what we’re seeing is the impact of the service industry slowing dramatically,” said Bryan Bennett, Director of Polling and Analytics at The Hub Project, an Advisor to Navigator Research. “Younger people are more likely to be employed in service jobs in industries like dining and hospitality, and those sectors have largely ground to a halt. Without adequate worker protections, their economic pain could last long after social distancing ends.”
“This is a generation that will experience not one but two major recessions as they come of age, so there’s a sense of compounding financial anxiety you can already feel,” added Ian Sams, Senior Advisor to Navigating Coronavirus. “Given that an unprepared, chaotic administration is the one trying to manage this crisis, it’s easy to imagine this will only get worse.”
NextGen America, the Hub Project, and other partners will continue to emphasize the impacts of this crisis on young people and the failings of the president and his Republican enablers in handling it. Find the full polling memo about the effects of coronavirus on young people here.
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The Navigator Research project is designed to act as a consistent, flexible, responsive tool to inform policy debates. By conducting research and providing reliable guidance to inform allies, elected leaders, and the press, Navigator helps top leaders in Washington and grassroots leaders around the country shape the debate on the issues that matter most. Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates.
NextGen America is a multiracial coalition of young people, organized to take power by winning elections for progressive candidates. NextGen is uniquely suited to help millennials and Gen Z’ers seize power as an experienced yet nimble political organization that leads with authenticity and grit. Since 2013, NextGen America has registered over 1.3 million voters and contacted millions of young people with messages encouraging them to vote.