When President Joe Biden left the 2024 campaign for president and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, young people registered to vote, donated money and signed up to volunteer in record numbers. Many political observers say they haven’t seen this level of interest, enthusiasm and energy in a Democratic presidential campaign since Barack Obama’s run for president in 2008.
Gen Z and young millennial voters comprise one of the largest voting blocs in this election cycle, and they could have a major impact on election results if they vote, and if they don't. So what are young voters' concerns, and how will those concerns influence their vote in November?
On my podcast, SoCal Voices, I pose these questions and more to some young voters in a special three-part series entitled Election 2024 and the Young Vote. The first installment in the series features 31-year-old civil rights attorney Sarah Carthen Watson, who says her concerns about the war in Gaza, climate change and police brutality will influence her vote this fall. She also shares her thoughts on fundamental changes she believes are needed to make the United States more equitable and livable.
You can hear our conversation on socalvoices.com or your favorite podcast player. Be sure to subscribe to SoCal Voices on Apple, iHeart or Spotify to receive notifications of new episodes!