Georgia outreach pushes to get Gen Z voters to polls
ATLANTA, Ga. - Just over three months remain until Americans decide which candidate will lead the country.
But in the last few weeks, there’s been a new push to get younger voters out to the polls.
“The University of Georgia, where I just graduated from, has 40,000 undergrads. That’s enough to swing an election,” said Katy Gates, who serves as the president of the College Democrats of Georgia.
Georgia’s young voters could make a big difference in election
Young voters made a difference in 2020 helping push Joe Biden over the edge in key battleground states like Georgia. And they could make a difference again.
Gates said she saw firsthand the difference young Georgia voters made in the 2020 general election and 2022 midterm election.
Gates is now a part of Voters of Tomorrow, a Gen Z-led organization working to get the next generation engaged this election season.
The organization has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
“We’re hoping that young voters are a key part of her winning coalition like they have been in the past few elections,” said Gates.
Republicans train poll Ga. watchers 100 days out from election
“The enthusiasm and energy on the part of Republican voters is through the roof,” Georgia GOP chief Josh McKoon said. “I mean, I’ve never really seen it like this before.”
While social media is a big part of getting Gen Z civically engaged, Gates said their strategy to get young voters to the polls goes well beyond posting.
“We mobilize our volunteer network to participate in that peer-to-peer organizing, where it’s young folks calling other young people,” said Gates.
It’s not just young Democrats focused on connecting with Gen Z.
“Our livelihoods are at stake too at this election,” said Chris Carrusca, a member of Atlanta Young Republicans.
Carrusca said he’s been working over the last few weeks to reach the next generation of voters.
“Door knocking, phone banking, talking to your neighbors and friends, texting — whatever it is because this is a crucial election for young people,” Carrusca said.
Georgia again in the spotlight less than 100 days before election
Several polls all show a potential Harris-Trump race to be virtual tossups. As a battleground state, Georgia is Ground Zero.
Carrusca also said he hopes many young Georgians will the Republican ticket in November.
Carrusca said he believes the economy is something everyone should care about, even the youngest voters.
“This is our future and it’s pursuing our American dream,” he said.
While it’s anyone’s guess who will clinch the White House in November, young people are working hard to ensure their voice is heard this fall.
“The important message here is that we get out the vote,” said Carrusca.
Said Gates: “Just making sure that people comprehend that while one vote might seem small it really can make the difference,” said Gates.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
