(Photo Credit: Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash)
Oakland, CA — Young people across the nation are showing up to the polls in record numbers. They are voting early, taking selfies with "I Voted" stickers, and calling upon their friends to get out to the polling stations, too.
According to a poll by CIRCLE, almost twice as many young voters said they would vote for a Democratic candidate versus a Republican in the midterm election. When you take a look at social media, that shows up in how young people talk about the issues that are driving them to the polls today.
Homelessness
In cities across the country, homelessness is a big concern for young people. They're using Election Day to give voice to the homeless community.
Immigration
For first-generation voters and naturalized citizens, voting is a privilege their parents may not have. Immigration reform is another motivation driving students and young people to utilize their vote.
Health Care
Young people with access to government-funded health care are voting for more expansive coverage.
Gun Control
Many of the students using the #WalkOutToVote hashtag see voting for gun control as akin to voting for their lives.
Abortion Rights
Young people on both sides of the abortion rights debate are taking to social media to share how this one issue affects how they vote today.
Exactly! Abortion must be unthinkable AND illegal! pic.twitter.com/JlejNYbwFz
— Students for Life (@StudentsforLife) November 4, 2018
Abortion rights are on the ballot in AL please go make sure u vote
— Lyza ✨☃️ (@only1lyza) November 6, 2018
The main message today from young folks is to exercise our right to vote, regardless of the issues that get us to the polls.