In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Vice President Kamala Harris has been gaining significant support from Gen Z voters.
A recent NBC News Stay Tuned Gen Z Poll shows that 60% of voters under 30 are backing Harris, a number that matches Joe Biden’s 2020 performance among this age group. But with two months left before the election, the real question is: will they turn out to vote?
The Gender Gap: Young Women Favor Harris
Harris is especially popular among young women. In the same poll, she holds a 30-point lead over Donald Trump with female Gen Z voters.
While young men also favor Harris, their margin is much slimmer, only 4 points. The gender gap highlights how critical the female Gen Z vote will be for Harris as the November election approaches.
The Challenge of Voter Turnout
Even with Harris leading in polls, turnout remains a significant hurdle. In the 2022 midterm elections, voters aged 18 to 29 made up only 12% of the electorate.
While turnout is traditionally higher in presidential years, it’s unclear if young voters will show up in enough numbers to sway the results. “Will they turn out to vote?” is the key question hanging over Harris’ campaign.
Gen Z and the Push for a Younger President
One major reason for Harris’ popularity with Gen Z voters is the desire for younger leadership. The poll found that 73% of young voters support setting a maximum age limit for presidential candidates.
Among those in favor, 54% believe the age cap should be set under 65. Harris, at 60 years old, fits comfortably within their preference for younger candidates.
Independents Are Divided, But Many Won’t Vote
While party-affiliated Gen Z voters strongly back their candidates, independents are much more divided. Support between Harris and Trump is tied at 25% among independents under 30.
Surprisingly, 34% of independent Gen Z voters say they will not vote at all, adding uncertainty to the final outcome of the election.
Social Media: The New Battleground for Gen Z Votes
Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit are central to reaching Gen Z voters. Both Harris and Trump’s campaigns are using these platforms, but Harris may have the edge with her stronger appeal to younger, tech-savvy voters.
In fact, the poll shows that 54% of Gen Z voters who engage in political activism online are voting for Harris.
Young Voters and the Impact of the Dobbs Decision
The Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned federal abortion rights, has mobilized younger voters, especially women. Many Gen Z voters see reproductive rights as a critical issue in this election, with Harris benefiting from their activism.
Younger women are particularly motivated, with many rallying around Harris as a defender of women’s rights.
A Push for Social Change Beyond Voting
Gen Z isn’t just participating through the ballot box; they’re finding other ways to engage in politics. The poll found that 37% of young voters unfollowed celebrities or political figures on social media as a form of protest, while others signed petitions or boycotted products.
Harris’ platform, which champions social justice and economic equality, arguably resonates with this politically active generation.
Harris Dominates Among College Graduates
When it comes to education, Harris holds a commanding lead over Trump. Among Gen Z college graduates, Harris leads by 26 points (56% to 30%). The divide is similar among current college students, where she leads by 25 points.
However, the race is much closer among voters without a college degree, where Harris and Trump are tied.
The Role of Influencers in 2024
With social media playing a huge role in shaping Gen Z opinions, influencers have become important political voices. Harris has embraced this trend (“Kamala IS Brat” being an obvious example), partnering with popular content creators to reach younger voters.
This approach has allowed her campaign to connect with disengaged or undecided voters in a way traditional media simply can’t replicate.
Is America Ready for a Female President? Gen Z Thinks So
Gen Z voters overwhelmingly believe that the country is ready for a female president.
According to the poll, nearly 7 in 10 respondents said they felt the U.S. was ready to elect a woman to the highest office.
What Could the Future Hold for Harris and Gen Z?
As the election nears, Harris’ success may rest on the shoulders of Gen Z voters. If they turn out in large numbers, they could deliver a decisive win for the Democrats, much like Barack Obama’s 2008 victory.
However, with a significant portion of young voters still on the fence or planning to sit out the election, the outcome remains uncertain.
