Gen Z voters focus on economic, rights reforms ahead of 2026 midterms

With less than a week until the 2026 midterm election, younger American voters say they want the election to be a step toward addressing the current economy of high gas prices, the current status of women’s reproductive rights, international relations, and for some the Trump administration overall. 

 “I believe that it’s just because we’ve seen and heard of a lot of people, who voted in the past presidential election, now say that they actually do regret voting for him.,” said Aja Dolson, 21, a second-time voter. “I know the first time he was elected president, some were very pro Trump. And I feel like a lot of people since then kept that same hit on those same ideals and still wanted him, but I believe that this presidency is this term, he has shown a lot of people that he actually is not a good fit.”  

‘When you finally step into adulthood, it’s so much easier to see how the laws and how the policies put in place are affecting you because now you actually, are seeing your tax dollars coming out of your pockets, it’s coming at your expenses.’

Aja Dolson, 21

Dolson said personal and policy changes over the last few years grabbed her attention.  “Gen Z is finally at the point where we’re trying to pay bills, we’re starting to drive in paper, gas and groceries and are actually becoming adults. When you finally step into adulthood, it’s so much easier to see how the laws and how the policies put in place are affecting you because now you actually, are seeing your tax dollars coming out of your pockets, it’s coming at your expenses.” 

She’s not unique. Gen Z, the generational name assigned to those ages 18 to 29,  has begun to flood the polls across the nation. On social media,  #Genzvote dominates social media platforms. The hashtag is connected to various different posts, with each post encouraging the generation to march to the polls. In Georgia, 21.3% of voters are Gen Z.

“We are the upcoming generation that’s gonna make an impact, and that, you know, we shouldn’t be underestimated on anything of that nature, because at the end of the day, we are the future generation, we are going to stand for other future generations behind the street.” said Darrell Scott, a Savannah State University student.  

Recent gas price hikes have forced Scott and many other SSU students to look for less expensive forms of transportation. For Scott, it means he relies on his skateboard. 

Gen Z in charge

With over 50 million young voters between the ages of 18 to 29 now eligible to cast their ballots, close races appear to be in the hands of Gen Z. According to the Center for Information & Research On Civic Learning and Engagement, the state of Georgia currently has one of the “youngest” populations in the country, due to residents under the age of 30 making up a higher share of residents.  

Edric Bussie, 21, is a third-time voter who says he’s concerned about political factions that have led to what he says is a “growing dysfunction in the United States Congress” that led his generation to “deeply distrust” government.

“Rising political polarization, legislative gridlock, performative partisanship, and declining transparency have eroded public confidence in the branch of government designed to be the most representative of the American people,” said Bussie, a Howard University student.

Many Gen Z voters say they are propelled by frustration and anger over a variety of issues: high gas prices, the Supreme Court ruling undermining abortion rights, and international relations. Many are looking for change. 

Kendall Hokes, a student at the North Carolina Central State University, said it’s mainly the economy that’s driving his vote. “The cost of living! Older Gen-Z are already in the workforce, mid-Gen Z’s are either about to enter the workforce or are in college and the current prospects of us being able to live a comfortable life as we imagined while growing up are becoming slimmer each day. The state of our political system, economy, environment, and world in general is in the hands of politicians who do not have our best interests in mind.” 

Gen Z at the polls in 2024

When Trump was re-elected, Gen Z was a large demographic that both the Trump and the Harris campaign fought over for support. 

According to The New York Times, Gen Z voters within the state of Georgia were split with reportedly 56% voting for the Harris campaign and 43% voting for the Trump campaign. With over 62% of young voters with college degrees voting blue while 36% voted red.   

However, Trump’s victory was due to a strong support from generations X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation, however despite Harris securing more votes from the younger generations, Trump garnered favor with young men in the 18 to 29 age range.

Many of his supporters say they are hopping off the bandwagon, in part due to broken campaign promises: to lower prices, and to not enter the U. S into a foreign war. 

Worried about what’s next

Despite a clear sense of pride and strength across younger voters, some are currently experiencing a sense of anxiety and nerves, following the results of the historic 2024 Presidential election, hoping they won’t experience a sense of deja vu.  

One voter worries others won’t see what he sees for the future. 

“I am not confident in the ability of my peers to understand how dire the political climate is at this moment, and act accordingly at the polls. Because during the last election cycle, I don’t think people understand that a large majority of people voted for Trump the first time. A large majority of people voted for Trump the second and third time,” said Joshua Ryans, 21. “I don’t necessarily know that that number will change enough to allow us to begin to correct all the wrong and nonsense that he has done while in office.”  Ryans, a senior at Savannah State, is working three jobs. 

For first-time voters, education is paramount, say get out the vote organizers. Many nonprofit organizations make it their mission to ensure that all young voters are properly informed in regards to who is on the ballot and how their policies will affect them. 

“Young Black voters are not just the future of our democracy, they are shaping it right now. When students engage through voting, advocacy, and community action, they build the power to influence the issues that impact their campuses, families, and communities,” said Ida Gray, Georgia Co-Manager of Black Voters Matter Fund. “Our hope is that every student leaves knowing their voice matters, their leadership is needed, and their participation can create lasting change.” 

‘I grew up in a household where I was taught to always respect your elders. However I think many of our current politicians should be scared and worried, my generation is tired of the same excuses, the same lies, and personally I am tired of the high gas prices due to a war that no one wanted.’

Chad duncan, 21

The local branch of the People’s Agenda, a nonpartisan and nonprofit advocacy organization based in Georgia, has begun to offer free rides to the polls for all Savannah State students. The organization’s mission is to improve the quality of governance in Georgia, help create a more informed and active electorate, and have responsive and accountable elected officials. The organization also assists students in registration and checking their voter status. 

“Students are encouraged to work through the offices in student life to connect with internal and external organizations that are active in assisting students in verifying their voter registration status, identifying polling locations, reviewing voting requirements, and learning about advance voting opportunities.” said LeAndrea Mikell, Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Relations of the Savannah State University. 

The university also supports opportunities for nonpartisan civic education and student engagement, which are current and active.

“Civic engagement goes beyond Election Day,” Gray said. “It is about staying informed, speaking up, organizing, and helping build the communities we want to see. Young people have the energy, creativity, and vision to drive meaningful change at the local, state, and national levels, which they are actively doing right now (across the county).”

Action elsewhere

Young Black voters who are a part of Gen Z are making it their mission to be at the polls, as some local elections boards make it harder for students to vote. Two states away, college students who attend North Carolina A&T State University, the largest public Historical Black College or University, recently marched together as a university to participate in the first day of early voting. 

The A&T campus once offered an on-campus voting location, but the Guilford County Board of Elections removed the location, despite concerns  about lack of voter access and convenience for students.

“I hope that my vote is able to inspire real change and that after the votes are counted, the lawmakers that are elected work to make the citizens who elected them proud.” said Kenndi Lyons, a 21-year-old senior at North Carolina A&T. 

“As a Gen Z voter, I am motivated to vote in all elections but especially this election because so many important issues are on the ballot that can impact my everyday life and the lives of my loved ones. Protecting voter’s rights and keeping women’s health a priority are the main concerns for me this election season,” Lyons said. 

The students marched to the polls as a unit and marched back to their campus together as a unit, chanting along the way “Our vote won’t be ceased.” 

Closer home

Early voting ends Friday, Oct. 30, in the battleground state of Georgia. Nearly 200,000 Gen Z citizens have already voted.  

“It’s time for our generation to step up and say ‘Enough is Enough’,” said Chad Duncan, a 21-year-old second-time voter. “I grew up in a household where I was taught to always respect your elders. However I think many of our current politicians should be scared and worried, my generation is tired of the same excuses, the same lies, and personally I am tired of the high gas prices due to a war that no one wanted. So yes, I will be voting proudly during this election,  so maybe even if there is little change it will be a step in the right direction.”