In the upcoming 2024 election, candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have been ramping up efforts to appeal to young voters. This is due to the fact that youth show the most impactful results in the polls. Voter registration reveals a large number of unregistered youth, and polls show that many of the registered youth remain undecided about their November presidential vote. As a result, both candidates must attempt to sway the youth to their side. Because young voters get most of their information from different sources than the average American, candidates have used a variety of strategies to appeal to the next generation. 

Voters under the age of 30 will make up over 40 million potential voters—including 8 million newly registered youth eligible to participate in their first presidential election.

Candidates are forced to appeal to this demographic or risk losing their vote. From voter registration days occurring in high schools to more resources such as social media and the internet, young voters now have tools that didn’t exist roughly 10 years ago. These resources have provided a platform for younger, newer voters and have given them the power and resources necessary to vote.

Social media has played a significant and impactful role in the upcoming election. From candidates making TikToks and Instagram posts to celebrities and influencers endorsing candidates, these factors have and will affect the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. This includes Gen Z and Millennials, who are more likely to consume political content through social media platforms.

Celebrity Taylor Swift recently endorsed the Harris and Walz campaign, receiving over 10 million likes. Twenty-seven percent of voters say that social media significantly impacts their political decisions in the upcoming election.

This leaves room for opportunity as well as misinformation surrounding the candidates and what (and who) represents them.

As the campaign began, both candidates put out information through social media, as well as other online platforms.

Donald Trump created Instagram and TikTok pages to attract that 9% of young, undecided voters. Through his social media, he has shown his rallies, speeches, and policies. In one of his Instagram posts, titled “No Tax on Tips, Social Security, and Overtime,” he gained support from over 200,000 people. On TikTok, Trump created videos with influencers to gain younger voters. In a TikTok video, Trump was endorsed by former YouTuber and influencer Jake Paul. Out of the three videos with him, Trump has received over 191.1 million views and 7.5 million likes altogether.

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris has taken a more “trendy” approach, showing her dedication to TikTok with over 132.9 million likes across the board. Harris’s social media, “Harris HQ,” is using social media to target younger voters. By doing this, they have joined viral trends such as “brat-summer” and meme-worthy coconut content. Influencers and celebrities such as Billie Eilish, Will Smith, and John Legend have also endorsed Harris and Walz for 2024.

Beyond social media, younger voters have been able to focus on pressing and impactful topics through the internet and news outlets, such as the presidential debate through ABC News. These topics include the country’s economy, the state of the climate, and gun control.

Currently, at Terra Linda High School, seniors are advocating for new voter registration and distributing information about voting. In social science teacher Ashley Ayoob’s government class, seniors have had the opportunity to go into the classes of upperclassmen and register young voters to spread awareness. Junior Addy Mastalerz shares, “This made people more prepared and inclined to register,” Mastalerz continues, “I feel like a lot of people wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t for that.” She explained that the process was helpful and made everyone take that step towards political engagement.

For any voters who don’t already know, Harris has been the Democratic candidate since July 21, 2024, shortly after President Biden withdrew from the race. Despite having a shorter window of time to convey her policies and opinions, Harris has attracted 45% of voters in nationwide polls, almost surpassing long-term politician Donald Trump.

This year’s election showcases how unpredictable presidential elections can be. Former President Donald Trump has 46% of total registered voters committing to vote for him in upcoming polls.

Now, what about the other 9%?

Most undecided voters largely belong to the demographic of registered voters under 30. Polls suggest that younger voters are more likely to remain undecided, as they often weigh their options for longer and may not feel a pull towards either candidate.

Young voters are the future of our country and the most important and impactful voters. It is vital that young voters find a voice and cast their vote.

All the information in this article was sourced from The New York Times. 

For more information about voting and the upcoming presidential election, please visit the Associated Press website.