With the upcoming 2024 presidential election, the voices of Generation Z (Gen Z) are sure to play a crucial role in its outcome. College organizations such as UNC Young Democrats and UNC College Republicans work to motivate young voters to engage in the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of their vote. Wakefield High School students who are also new voters discuss the seriousness of staying informed and involved in the democratic process through social media, school initiatives and future discussions highlighting their vote’s significance. 

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is a diverse community where students learn about the politics surrounding them and form their own opinions. Cecilia Derlon, the UNC Young Democrats vice president, has been very busy assisting students on campus. Derlon works with her team, registering students to vote and engaging in political conversation with them. She emphasizes the importance of getting registered. 

“Every single time we have registered a student to vote, it is impactful,” Derlon said. “As I have become more politically involved, I have learned that truly every single vote counts.”

Derlon and her fellow members of UNC Young Democrats have expanded their influence to online platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Using social media is a simple and efficient way to share information about what is at stake in the upcoming election. She believes that posting online is a positive way to discuss politics and encourage students to use their voices.

“Among our generation, I feel like there is discouragement in politics and overall distrust in politicians,” Derlon said. “Showing others that young people are involved and a part of this system too has been a great way to encourage voting through social media.”

While social media is the main catalyst for encouraging the youth to vote, college political groups such as the College Republicans Club at UNC structure tailgates where students have the opportunity to speak to Council State Candidates in a non-formal setting. Matthew Trott is the President of UNC College Republicans. In his time leading the political club, he has administered several initiatives to inspire the youth to vote. 

“Students [can] talk to Council State Candidates personally and ask them questions about themselves and their candidacies and policies,” Trott said. “We’ve been out in the field pretty regularly with registering voters and passing out campaign material to help inform voters.”  

 Starting conversations with Gen Z no matter their background has been the greatest factor in increasing youth voter turnout. Political clubs like UNC-Chapel Hill Young Democrats and Republicans have made sure to get across to various groups of students on campus. 

“Anyone that wants to have a conversation with us to learn more about what we believe and why, even if they disagree with it, is more than welcome to come over and do that,” Trott said. “The people who you disagree with have similar motivations for supporting the policies they support or the candidates they support.”

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, many high school students have a unique opportunity to take their first steps toward civic engagement by casting their vote on Nov. 5. At Wakefield High School in Raleigh, N.C., several initiatives have been implemented to ensure that students turning 18 before the election can register to vote and participate in this significant democratic process. These efforts aim to empower young voters and encourage active participation in shaping the future of the nation.

Registered voter and senior Tess Burgart plans to not just utilize her voice in the election but to also motivate her peers around her to do the same. She believes conducting research on candidates is a strong way to decide how to cast your vote.

“I plan to encourage my peers to read about the candidates for all positions to better understand their policies and actions that they plan to make in office,” Burgart said. “This will allow them to develop their own opinions on the candidates, which can help encourage them to vote.” 

Milo Johnson is another senior who involves himself in civic responsibilities, including being a registered voter. His perspective on civic engagement and the importance of participating in the election reflects a sense of responsibility and a commitment to upholding his beliefs in the democratic process.

“As you get older, you’re a lot more involved in society in general,” Johnson said. “You have to care more about it, especially when owning your own house, having finances and making your way in the world. It’s important to support your beliefs, and the election is a good way to do that.” 

The voices of young voters among Gen Z are set to shape the landscape of the upcoming election as they demonstrate a keen interest in political participation. School and education play a large role in informing students on candidates and policy. AP U.S. Government and Politics teacher, Joseph Williams, works to educate his students about the significance of voting and active participation in the political world. 

“Teaching the importance of voting is important, as well [as] trying to get [students] excited for it because this is their opportunity to say what they think and to drive the direction that we go in,” Williams said.

As the 2024 presidential election nears, Gen Z’s voices are poised to make a significant impact on the outcome of the election. Through efforts by college clubs like UNC Young Democrats and UNC College Republicans and educators such as Williams, young individuals use their voices to engage in the democratic process. 

“This is our opportunity to have a say in what we want our future to look like in this country,” Burgart said. “The best we can is to do our research and vote for what we believe in because every vote and voice matters.”