Atlanta: A College Leader’s Insights on Young Voter Engagement
As we zoom in on Atlanta, the vibrant energy of students preparing for the upcoming presidential election fills the air. Among these fervent young minds, Michael Brent IV, a passionate senior at Clark Atlanta University, stands out. This 21-year-old is not just any student; he’s a driving force for political engagement on campus and beyond.
Michael, who is pursuing a degree in political science with a focus on public policy, also wears another hat as the president of the CAU Democrats. This organization plays an essential role in encouraging political awareness and actively aiding students in registering to vote.
Last summer, Michael embarked on a mission as a field organizer with RISE, a student and youth-led nonprofit that empowers college students to wield political power. His task wasn’t a walk in the park, but a journey into the hearts and minds of young people. However, the road had its bumps – Michael found that many students “just weren’t excited.”
Turning the Tide on Youth Voter Turnout
Historically, young-voter turnout in the United States has lagged compared to other groups. Yet, a promising trend emerges in Georgia, where turnout has seen an upward spike in recent years. In the bustling 2020 presidential election, 51 percent of registered voters aged 18 to 29 headed to the polls. Although a modest figure next to the overall 67 percent turnout, it marked a sharp rise from 2016’s 37 percent.
So, as we look towards November, there’s a burning question on everyone’s mind – will young voters turn out this time with the same enthusiasm?
The Voice of Generation Z
The 2020 election saw Generation Z’s influence, a cohort that played a crucial role in Biden’s eventual victory. Yet, as these young voters grow more outspoken on pivotal issues such as the environment, women’s rights, immigration, and healthcare, their support remains fluctuating. Notably, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has particularly resonated, sparking outrage among American youth. Many college students have voiced their discontent with the Administration’s stance, leading to large-scale protests and opening debates about free speech on university campuses.
The changing political landscape isn’t the only factor affecting voter enthusiasm. With President Biden stepping aside from the 2024 race, Kamala Harris’s ascent to the top of the Democratic ticket has stirred mixed reactions among young voters, leaving some contemplating abstention.
Civic Engagement: A Commitment Beyond Elections
For Michael, engaging with peers who express hesitation about voting is a mission. When he encounters students leaning towards non-participation, he passionately advocates thinking beyond immediate feelings. “Don’t just do it based off how you feel,” he emphasizes. He empathizes with daunting days during the summer outreach efforts, where the heat was oppressive and motivation waned. But, in his own words, Michael believes that civic involvement is meaningful, “It’s good work, and it’s going to lead to something.”
His appeal to sustain civic engagement beyond fleeting election cycles is a reminder of the power young voters hold to shape their futures. That engagement, Michael insists, should not be overshadowed by disinterest or disillusionment, but revitalized as an ongoing commitment to making a difference.
As we approach what promises to be another pivotal election, the commitment from young voters like Michael stands testament to the potency of youth activism. It is a clarion call for all young citizens to embrace the power within their grasp and join in creating the world they want to see.
The journey, as Michael puts it, “is worthy work.” Let’s see if it inspires a new generation to answer the call and make their voices heard at the polls.
