For years, many have told me, "When it comes to politics and voting, young people, and specifically, teenagers don’t matter."
But that’s not what the numbers say, especially in the last two presidential elections.
Generation Z — people between the ages of 13 and 24 — have played a significant role in both previous general elections. As NBC exit polls suggest, 65% of those between the ages of 18 and 24 voted for Biden — 11% more than any other age group.
That’s not all.
Gen Z also takes their responsibilities as voters very seriously, voting at a higher rate than previous generations.
We must make it a point as parents, youth leaders, or campaign managers to understand the times and know what to do, especially as it relates to politics.
The more you are able to discuss social issues and politics with young people, the more able you will be to engage them in this conversation.
Social Media can't be the preferred platform for our children to get their information.
As someone who’s spent much of his life talking with this age group, I've learned a great deal. So here are four traits of Gen Z which must be considered if any candidate is going to win that generational vote:
Wanting to Be Heard: Gen Z
Gen Z are leaders and producers.
Every parent and youth leader must learn to listen to youth.
When the young are given the chance to talk first, it will guide the whole conversation, and you'll often be surprised at the sophistication of their views.
You may also be surprised how they think differently than the last generation.
I spoke with members of Gen Z recently, and they said, "My vote matters," "Voting is a new experience, so we want to vote," "I don’t care how people see me after I vote because it’s my opinion," and "I am voting the issues more than the person (issues are more important than anything)."
Instead of telling them what they need to hear, listen to youth.
As leaders and producers Gen Z are more concerned about who is following them than who they are following.
Community and Cause Involvement
Gen Z and Alpha Gen (the elementary group coming after Gen Z) love a cause.
Call them the "Cause Generation," because they want to make a difference.
Human trafficking, wells, food poverty, racism, or other humanitarian causes have captured the hearts of Next Gen.
This generational group emphasizes local involvement and creates a platform for it.
Supporting local shelters or food kitchens, volunteering at a local nonprofit, or solving food poverty locally is critical to a campaign message that will build trust and capture their vote.
Merchants of Cool
The corporate American entrepreneur is focused on Gen Z.
With $30 billion of expendable income, they're a force to be reckoned with.
Merchants are discovering ways to appeal to this generational group.
Research has found that Gen Z young leaders are stepping into influential positions in every segment of society, including government, education, corporate, science, and entertainment industries.
Young leaders are everywhere and in every segment of society.
Just look at the prevalence of leaders who are young, who exploded onto the scene after the young leaders of Silicon Valley’s dot.coms; they are now being led by young "influencers" who have taken the internet like a tsunami on the shores of culture.
Collaboration, Teamwork
Teenagers love teamwork, group study, and the proximity of their peer group, and collaboration is their preferred working environment.
Collaboration is the enemy of stale thought.
Collaboration is positive and constructive and values the background and framework of others. There is a university of learning and ideas all around us.
Presidential campaigns, and government in general, must value the teamwork that Gen Z sees as very important. Solving America’s problems will take collaboration and Gen Z understands this.
How about this crazy idea?
Why not have a watch party for the debates and the election night coming up at your home for your kids' friends? Then, guide them in a conversation about it afterward.
When we can bring respectful collaboration into the political realm, Gen Z will pay attention.
Never Overlook Younger Generations
When it comes to politics and voting, Gen Z cannot be overlooked.
Simon Rosenberg, president of NDN (previously known as the New Democrat Network) and the New Policy Institute, found that "53% to 55% of registered 18 to 29-year-olds appear to have voted in the last election.
"That may be the highest ever recorded in the modern era of politics."
Research powered by SurveyMonkey found that in 2024, 49% of registered voters ages 18-29 would vote for Harris, while 35% would vote for Trump. This is the power of the Gen Z vote. If a presidential campaign chooses not to approach this group, it does so to its own peril.
Jeff Grenell is the founder of ythology.com, to inspire, educate and resource youth leaders to prepare the next generation, to lead in the Church and globally. Follow Jeff on Twitter: @jeffgrenell. Read Jeff Grenell's Reports - Here.