Young Voters' Views on Candidates Reflect Broader American Trends

In a recent CNN poll, Vice President Kamala Harris took the lead among voters under 35, with 52% of likely voters in this age group preferring her over former President Donald Trump's 40%. This 12-point margin is a significant shift from the 2020 election, when President Joe Biden won by a 21-point margin among the same age group. One of the most striking findings of the poll is the stark gender gap among young voters. Female likely voters under 35 prefer Harris by a wide margin, while male likely voters in this age group are closely divided. This gender gap is reflected in registered voters, with young women being 15 points more likely than men to express a positive view of Harris. The poll also highlights the unique characteristics of young voters. Two-thirds of those under 35 say they first started paying attention to politics during the Obama presidency or later, with about one-sixth recalling their memories only dating back to Trump's presidency. Young voters' experiences are shaped by their formative years, and their views on politics and government reflect a sense of disillusionment with the status quo.

Harris's lead among young voters is partly due to her ability to inspire and motivate young people. In contrast, Trump's ratings among young voters are lackluster, with only 34% of registered voters in this age group viewing him favorably. Young voters are also more likely to see Trump as worsening their view of the GOP, with 51% of registered voters in this age group saying so. The poll also explored the issues that matter most to young voters. The economy is, of course, a top concern, but abortion and reproductive rights were cited as the top issue by 30% of Harris supporters under 35. This contrasts with older Harris supporters, who prioritize protecting democracy. Young voters are also more focused on addressing the concerns of the next generation, with 49% preferring Harris on this issue.

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