Just 35% of young Americans (ages 18-29), compared to 81 % of seniors (ages 65+) and 55 % of all Americans, say they are absolutely certain to vote in the November elections.
That’s the conclusion of a Public Religion Research Instatute/The Atlantic survey on civic engagement.
“Just 20% of young Americans made it to the polls in the last midterm election, and we’re seeing some cynicism among young people about the efficacy of voting as a means of social change,” noted PRRI CEO Robert P. Jones. “But if younger voters turn out even at modest rates, it could tilt the scales significantly in favor of Democratic candidates, who they support over Republican candidates by a margin of 61% to 35%.”
Young Americans are less likely than seniors to say voting regularly in elections is the most effective way to create change (50 % vs. 78 %).
Young Americans are more likely than seniors to believe that volunteering for a group or cause (19% vs. 4%) or being active online (9% vs. 1%) are the best way to create change.
Twenty-eight percent of young women, compared to just 18% of young men, report feeling afraid about the state of the country. Young men are more likely than young women to say they feel hopeful (20% vs. 13%) or content (12% vs. 6%).
Other Report Findings:
- Seventy-two perecent of Americans, including 70% of Democrats and 77% of Republicans, say they often feel like they need a break from the news.
- Forty-eight percent of Americans say their civic and political engagement has not changed since 2016.
- Sixty-two percent of Americans, including 70% of young Americans and 52% of seniors, say they view President Trump unfavorably.
- Americans are most likely to say that health care is a critical issue to them (58%), with gun policy (46%) and immigration (46%) among their other concerns.
SOURCE: PRRI, Ian Hainline, ihainline@kivvit.com, 202-591-5356