Some of the younger members of the Gen Z are the latest group of Americans eligible to vote in a major election, however, other members of the group have been eligible to vote in local elections for at least five years. It’s been found that these generations often allow older generations to take control of elections, especially local elections.
In 2016, young people had a slight increase in their presidential election participation. Roughly 46 percent of young people voted compared to 45 percent in 2012.
“I participate in my local elections most of the time,” said college senior Brittany Ham.
“I’m voting because 
these are the people who will make decisions that will have a direct impact on how I live my day to day life,” added her sister, sophomore Kayla Ham.
However, older generations are still outvoting 18- to 29-year-olds in presidential elections. Over 60 percent of people older than 45 voted in the 2016 presidential election. Seventy percent of those 65 and over voted that year as well.
Age is not the only factor that impacts who votes. Ease of registration, race and level of education also impacts voters. White Americans have long dominated the polls but in recent general elections, minority groups have increased their voting presence by close to 14 percent. This could be an indication of better minority turnout in the 2020 presidential election. The number of Black votes in the presidential election decreased from 2012 to 2016 by seven percent. Hispanic and other races decreased as well, but by minuscule numbers.
“This is my first time voting so I don’t really know how it works yet. I was too young last time and I’m definitely not a politics person but I at least want to do the presidential election,” said college senior Lauren Reems.
Howard University’s student government, the Howard University Student Association, is currently partnering with The Collective and Xceleader, an organization that is focused on HBCU leadership in the #VOTEHBCU program. The organization is currently focusing on the presidential election, but HUSA President Rachel Howell says they will be working to get students registered and involved in local elections as well.
“This initiative allows us to encourage other HBCUs to increase voter participation on their campuses by giving them the tools to make registration easier,” Howell said.
This nonpartisan and free project voter registration drive/competition between HBCUs, providing each HBCU with its own preset voter registration link that can be distributed to students, faculty, alumni, community members, and others.
For more on the original article visit https://www.washingtoninformer.com/millenials-and-gen-z-have-voter-power-but-will-they-use-it/