New NextGen America Poll Shows Young Voters Lack Enthusiasm For Candidates, Motivated by Issues
Exclusive new polling shows top priorities for 18-35-year-olds in key battleground states
Washington, D.C. — Today, NextGen America released new polling in partnership with Impact Research. It reveals that while young voters in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia may not exhibit overwhelming enthusiasm for specific political figures at the top of the ticket, their passion lies in turning out to vote for issues. The research shows that despite concerns with political leadership on both sides of the aisle, young people remain motivated to participate and advocate for causes they believe in.
The polling shows the clearest threat to both candidates’ re-election is third-party candidates, with 20% of young voters opting for someone other than Biden or Trump. However, research suggests that targeted messaging and adequate investment can sway these voters. Overall, the polling provides analysis and insight into young voters’ sentiments on a President Biden and Trump rematch, President Biden’s age, voting third-party, the Inflation Reduction Act, motivation to vote, and messaging that may influence their positions and decisions on Election Day.
The New York Times politics podcast, The Run Up, first reported on NextGen America’s poll and spoke with NextGen America President, Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez:
“When you ask young people what the Biden Administration has done, there is a disconnect on what they’ve delivered on student debt, on climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act, on gun safety. But our polling suggests that when you’re able to point that out to young people and educate them, they are willing to switch their vote. These are the areas of opportunity for the Biden Administration, there’s a need to point to progressive policy.”
This polling will inform and influence NextGen America’s 2024 campaigns, ensuring political programs focus on key issues such as abortion rights, the economy, and climate change to target young voters to help educate and activate this critical group and ensure their voices are heard.
To request a complete summary of the polling, please reach out directly to NextGen America at press@nextgenamerica.org.
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About NextGen America
NextGen America is the leading national organization for engaging young people through voter education, registration and mobilization. We invite 18-to-35 year olds — the largest and most diverse generation in American history — into our democracy to ensure our government works for them and to find new solutions to the dire challenges facing our society and the world. Since 2013, NextGen America has registered more than 1.4 million young voters and educated many millions more.