The youth vote is a powerful yet often untapped force in the electoral process. Historically, young voters (ages 18-29) have participated at lower rates than older demographics. In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, only 46.1% of eligible youth cast a ballot, compared to 70.9% of those aged 60 and older. This trend continued in the 2018 midterms, where youth turnout was just 36%, although it significantly increased from previous midterms.
Young people have the potential to significantly influence the outcome of elections, especially in closely contested races. Young voters support progressive policies and candidates, which can shift the political landscape when mobilized effectively. For example, youth turnout in the 2020 U.S. presidential election surged to 53%, contributing to key victories in battleground states.
What happens when young people don’t vote?
Low youth voter turnout has serious implications for the representation and responsiveness of government policies. Without strong participation from young voters, issues critical to younger generations, such as climate change, education, and job opportunities, may not receive the attention they deserve. This lack of representation can perpetuate a cycle of disengagement and disenfranchisement among young people. When young people don't vote, the impact is profound, especially in shaping policies that directly affect their futures.
Let's Talk Facts:
Youth voter turnout (age 18-29) in California dropped from 56% in 2020 to just 27% during the midterms, highlighting a decline in engagement when no presidential election is at stake.
Education funding: Proposition 13, which impacted school funding, saw minimal youth voter turnout. A 10% increase in youth participation could have potentially influenced the outcome, affecting billions in educational resources.
Job opportunities and minimum wage: Only 16% of young voters engaged in the election that saw key discussions on labor rights and job creation.
Social justice reform: Propositions on criminal justice reform (such as Prop 36) that directly affect younger demographics, particularly in marginalized communities, often see little youth turnout. Young voters of color are disproportionally affected, yet their turnout remains significantly lower than other age groups.
Why it Matters:
Without strong youth participation, these critical issues may not receive the attention they deserve, leaving policies shaped by older generations who may not prioritize them. This cycle of disengagement can lead to long-term disenfranchisement, further isolating young people from the political process.
BOSS SJC Youth Council: Challenging the Narrative
The BOSS Social Justice Collective's Youth Council is striving to mobilize and empower young voters through its IMPACT THE VOTE campaign, which aims to highlight the importance of the youth vote and encourage active participation. They are actively working to change the narrative around youth engagement by leading discussions on California ballot propositions and policies.
During their Next 250 Listening Session on July 25th at the BOSS Wellness Empowerment Resiliency Campus, the Youth Council brought together community members for an intergenerational dialogue about shaping the next 25 years. Through open conversations and interactive activities, attendees were educated and inspired to take action, leading to several community members registering to vote and signing up to volunteer for the upcoming Civic Engagement Program (CEP), launching on September 24th.
How can you get involved?
Community members can get involved in several ways to support young voters and the efforts of the BOSS Social Justice Collective:
Attend the Next Listening Session: Join us on Sunday, September 15 to engage in meaningful discussions about the upcoming election, local initiatives, and social justice issues. Your voice matters in shaping the future.
Register to Vote: If you're not registered, take this crucial step to ensure your participation in the upcoming election. Click the link to register Online Voter Registration | California Secretary of State or you can pick up a voter registration card at one of our events.
Take the Impact the Vote Challenge: Challenge yourself and five others to get involved by volunteering for our upcoming CEP. Starting September 24, join us in mobilizing the community by knocking on doors, making calls, voter outreach and education efforts.
Spread the Word: Use your social media platforms and personal networks to encourage others to vote and get involved in community initiatives. #impactthevote
The BOSS Social Justice Collective Youth Council is proving that young people have the power to drive meaningful change in their communities. By coming together across generations, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that policies reflect all needs. Now more than ever, its vital for everyone- young and old- to engage, vote, and make a lasting impact. Join us by impacting the vote, and let's continue to build a stronger, more empowered community!
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