Hundreds of first-time voters recently gathered for the "America in One Room: The Youth Vote" event, held in Washington, D.C. This unique political gathering brought together young voters to discuss pressing issues for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
The event was hosted by the Close Up Foundation, Stanford University, Generation Lab, Helena, and the University of Southern California. Over three days, participants engaged deeply with various political topics and shared their perspectives on issues affecting their lives.
Participants, around 500 young adults from diverse backgrounds, spent much of their time discussing various policy matters. They examined hot-button topics ranging from the January 6 Capitol riots to policy matters with direct impact on their communities.
For Emilea Johnson, who's from Goodridge, Minnesota, health care is particularly important. Johnson shared, “My dad is a farmer. My mom works at the church, which offers no benefits,” highlighting the struggles many face with health care navigation.
While health care may seem personal, Johnson is open to hearing from others with differing viewpoints. Chardon Black from Cleveland noted, “I’ve learned disagreements are OK,” emphasizing the importance of expressing ideas respectfully.
Before and after the event, participants were surveyed on various political issues. According to Henry Elkus, founder and CEO of Helena, the results showed significant shifts: satisfaction with democracy surged from 29% to 58% post-event.
Attitudes toward various policies also shifted. For example, support for opposing a nationwide ban on abortion medication increased slightly, now sitting at 80% among participants, including some Republicans.
Conversely, the support for increasing the federal minimum wage saw a drop from 62% to 48%. Many attendees expressed growing concerns for climate action, with the desire to achieve U.S. energy independence rising from 62% to 76%.
Elkus remarked on the participant's priorities, indicating they were less focused on candidates and more on the actual issues. He said, “They have a very grounded and felt sense we need to fix this country.”
The objective behind the gathering was to encourage consensus among young voters, fostering dialogues about shared concerns. Elaine Gombos from Pittsburgh emphasized, “Democracy is collaborative,” as she noted the importance of safe spaces for sharing stories and deliberations.
Looking to the future, attendees will be polled again closer to the 2024 Election Day to assess any changes in their views. The sponsors of the event are also considering holding another event focused on artificial intelligence, aiming to engage the youth on this rapidly-changing topic.
Meanwhile, Representative Maxwell Frost of Florida also highlighted key issues for young voters at the Democratic National Convention. At Axios' reception, he underscored housing affordability and accessibility as pressing priorities for younger generations.
Frost, at just 27, continues to advocate for policies to help young people navigate the housing market. He praised Vice President Kamala Harris’s housing plan, which aims to build three million new housing units and provide first-time buyers with down payment assistance.
He highlighted the challenges faced by young people trying to find affordable housing, pointing to his own difficulties securing housing when he first entered the political sphere. He reflected on how his inadequate credit affected his ability to rent when he needed it the most.
The housing crisis is particularly relevant as young voters increasingly prioritize stability and affordability. Frost's passionate advocacy shows just how central these issues are for rising generations.
The discussion at both events reveals the increasing desire of young voters to engage with the political system and advocate for substantial change. Acknowledging their concerns and articulations is key if political leaders hope to galvanize this influential demographic.
With the 2024 presidential election looming, the voices of young voters will undoubtedly play a pivotal role. Events like those discussed aim to empower these voters, ensuring their priorities are heard and addressed.
It is clear from the discussions and surveying of views, the upcoming electoral season may favor candidates who listen deeply and respond to young voters' priorities. This demographic is shaping the political dialogue and demanding meaningful action.