Young voters to presidential candidates: ‘Speak to our issues’

By Daniela Drukteinis and Jason Vilberg

NSU University School and Belen Jesuit Preparatory School/Montage

The November presidential election offers a disappointing choice between two elderly candidates who are disconnected from the lives and the issues of young Americans.

That is what voters between the ages of 18 and 29 are saying about the election, according to a string of recent national polls where they weighed in on topics ranging from the economy, foreign affairs and immigration to the ages of the candidates.

“A lot of people are tired of both of the candidates and want to move on to new people, a younger, fresh stance,” said Jake Sperling, a University of Miami sophomore.

A CBS News/YouGov survey conducted before the June 27 presidential debate shows that the candidates’ ages are a significant factor for registered voters under 30. President Joe Biden, who became the oldest president to ever hold office at the age of 78 in 2021, is 81, and former President Donald Trump, who was 70 when he took office in 2017, is 78.

If Trump were to be re-elected, he would be the second oldest president after Biden. According to the survey, Biden’s age is worrying for 68% of the respondents and Trump’s age is a concern for 54%.

“I want somebody in office who is not ancient,” said Madison LaCoss, 21, a UM senior who will be a first-time voter in November. “I don’t know who’s going to win, but honestly, I don’t want either of them to.”

The youth vote could sway the results of the presidential election. A 2023 Tufts University study indicates that almost 41 million people ages 18 to 27, a full one-fifth of the American electorate, are eligible to vote. Young voters helped Biden win the White House four years ago. He beat Trump in that demographic by 24 percentage points (59% to 35%).

This time around, the race is much closer. Biden’s lead among registered voters ages 18 through 29 had plunged to 6 percentage points, according to a June New York Times poll.

Also, more young voters believe that the United States is on the wrong track than older generations. According to the same poll, only 15% of young voters believe that America is on the right track, while 22% of all those surveyed believe that.

“Neither major party appeals to voters,” said Casey Klofstad, who chairs UM’s political science department. “Younger people feel that the current system does not speak to their issues.”

Young people seem to care about the same issues as their older counterparts, but their opinions about those issues can vary. Among these, the economy, abortion, and foreign affairs are at the top of the list, according to the New York Times poll.

Economy

Young voters view the economy as the issue that’s most important to them in deciding whom to vote for this November. According to the poll, 24% cited economic issues, including jobs, the stock market, taxes, inflation and the cost of living. Since Biden took office, inflation has risen by almost 20%, according to Yahoo Finance.

“The price of living is almost impossible right now; it’s impossible to even find an apartment for just one person,” said Kimberley Montessi, a 23-year-old recent graduate of Saint Leo University near Tampa.

This is especially true for people living in South Florida, which has become one of the country’s most expensive real estate markets. According to Zillow, in the past five years, Miami-Dade County rental prices have gone up 58% and Broward County prices have increased 55%.

Foreign Affairs

Foreign affairs is the second-most important issue for young people. Sixteen percent cited foreign policy, the Russia-Ukraine War, and the Israel-Hamas War as what matters most to them. Their opinions about these issues can sharply differ from those of older Americans.

For example, according to a Pew Research survey published in April, adults under 30 are much less likely to think that Israel’s reasons for fighting Hamas are valid. Only 38% believe Israel’s response is justified, while 58% of all adults do.

Immigration

Immigration comes in third, but younger Americans care about it much less than older Americans. While 8% of all young voters believe that immigration is the biggest issue in the country, 16% of all registered voters view it as most crucial to their vote.

Abortion

Six percent of young voters mentioned abortion as their most important issue, but it’s one that some voters feel very passionate about, especially the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe vs. Wade.

“The fact that they got rid of it is possibly the worst thing this country could have ever done,” Montessi said.

Other Issues

In smaller numbers, young voters also cited social equality/inequality, climate change, health care, education, the state of democracy/corruption, and racism/racial issues.

To win this election, young people say the presidential candidates must address the issues that young Americans care about.

Of course, young people will need to show up at the ballot boxes for their voices to be heard.

“I feel like voting is very important,” said Nijel Pack, 23, a guard on UM’s basketball team.
“You want to have a say in what happens in our country and in our world.”