It seemed his future was at stake when 18-year-old Carter Fay voted early in the US election.
“The reality is that our democracy, I truly believe, is at stake. And so do people of my generation,” said Fay, who is from the battleground state of Georgia.
“To put it plainly, we are afraid.”
Fay is among the estimated eight million Gen Z voters who may participate in a presidential election for the first time. There is power behind this generation, which is angry with the current political system and worried about its future.
And the race to the White House still appears to be tied.
Many young people were dismayed when it looked like the election would be a repeat of the 2020 showdown between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Trump had been undermining Democrats’ control of the youth vote, making gains among young, non-college-educated whites. He was also seeing growing support among young black and Latino people.
Democrats worried that younger voters who felt apathetic about two older candidates wouldn’t even show up to the polls.
There was a tumultuous turn after a disastrous presidential debate, and Biden removed his name from the Democratic ticket. Vice President Kamala Harris catapulted to the nomination, fueled by a wave of memes, viral moments and the enthusiasm of younger Americans.
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Polls suggest that young people overwhelmingly support Harris, with a ratio of about 60-40, said Marc Trussler of the University of Pennsylvania. But there is an important gender divide.
“Young men are much more pro-Trump,” said Trussler, director of data science for the university’s opinion research and election studies program.
“But even among young men, there’s probably a relationship between Harris and Trump, maybe a little pro-Harris.”
Evan, who recently attended a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, said it was his first time voting for president. The 20-year-old, who did not give his last name, said he has been running a business since he was 12 and it is difficult under the current management.
“Looking at the prices of things, inflation goes up and down and up and down,” Evan said. “Now, it’s like it’s finally our turn to have money in this world, to do the things we want and… we can’t afford anything.”
Trump has strategically tried to reach voters like Evan, who are frustrated by their future prospects and concerned about what they call the “woke” culture of the left. He has appeared on “bro” podcasts such as the sports-themed Six Feet Under, Bussin’ with the Boys, and “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
His rallies have a vibe more like a monster truck rally than a political event. His celebrity endorsements include Kid Rock, Hulk Hogan and local rap artists from battleground states.
Trussler said he connects with first-time voters, but also with people who are not traditionally interested in politics and vote infrequently.
“I think we’ve seen both candidates pursue strategies that would not have been considered in previous elections,” said Trussler, who is Canadian.
Harris has also appeared on podcasts such as “Call Her Daddy” and has celebrity endorsements from Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. The vice president and her team have been praised for their success on social media, where they connect with viral moments.
“Campaigns have designated social media (people) to do these types of strategies,” said Melissa Haussman, a professor emeritus at Carleton University in Ottawa. “It doesn’t just grow organically.”
Democrats are meeting first-time voters where they are, Fay said. The University of Toronto student said his generation grew up on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. That’s where they got into politics and activism.
“There really hasn’t been a real way to see things changed that we want to see changed,” Fay said. “The fact that my generation now has this ability in Gen Z to start going out and voting is a really important thing.”
Fay said many of his peers care about climate change, social justice, education and gun laws — things that affect their future.
“My generation grew up having to go to school and fearing for their lives,” he said, pointing to the Apalachee High School shooting in September.
They also care about freedoms. Young women of her generation have fewer rights than the previous generation, Fay added.
Polls also suggest that peer influence could be a key factor in voter turnout.
A poll from the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics says 79 percent of young people plan to vote if their friends do. Only 35 percent plan to participate even if their friends don’t.
This could prove critical, Trussler said. In general, participation among young people is lower than that of other groups.
But about 55 percent of voters ages 18 to 29 voted in 2020, a significant increase from the previous election. They played a key role in Biden’s victory in key states and in taking the White House. If young people flock to the polls again, it could prove a boon for Democrats on November 5.
George Constantine, 20, said young Republicans are motivated and also talk to their friends.
“If you love Trump, follow Trump,” Constantine said at Trump’s recent rally in Pennsylvania.
“Don’t let your friends, school or online tell you other things. “The best thing for your heart is what you think.”
