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More than half of Gen Z plan to exercise their right to vote in the Presidential election in November, according to a poll by Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics (IOP).
The national poll of slightly more than 2,000 18-to-29-year-olds also revealed that concerns about the economy remain one of the top issues for young voters, there’s a decline in confidence in public institutions and there’s wide support for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War.
IOP Director Setti Warren said, “Young people today have clear concerns about where our country is headed. From worries about the economy, foreign policy, immigration and climate, young people across the country are paying attention and are increasingly prepared to make their voices heard at the ballot box this November.”
Three key findings from the survey:
- Most Believe There’s a Crisis at the Southern Border
A majority (53%) believe that the United States has an immigration crisis at the Southern border while 16% disagree and 29% are undecided. When asked about the need for a border wall, 45% oppose construction of a border wall while 36% support it.
- Few Believe the Country is Going in the Right Direction
Nearly 60% said the country is “off on the wrong track” while 9% thinks it’s “headed in the right direction.” Of those surveyed, 32% are unsure.
- Less Than Half of College Students Prefer to Keep Their Political Views Private
More than 30% of college students don’t want the hassle of letting their political views known on campus for fear of censorship or negative repercussions.