Source: NC Newsline
If young voters in the U.S. turn out on Nov. 5, they could have a significant impact on the General Election, says Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at Catawba College and expert in North Carolina politics.
Bitzer, who frequently comments on state politics through the platform Old North State Politics, explained that many students feel their concerns—such as affordable housing and student loan debt—are often overlooked by politicians. This feeling of disengagement can follow them into adulthood.
“The usual pattern in political science is that as people grow older, they become more engaged and recognize the importance of participating in activities like voting,” Bitzer said. “However, millennials aren’t following this trend. Despite starting families and securing stable jobs, their voter turnout is still lower than expected, particularly in North Carolina.”
Bitzer made these remarks at the North Carolina Affordable Housing Conference, where over 1,300 participants gathered to discuss the state’s housing challenges and successes.
Bitzer noted that young voter apathy might shift due to Vice President Kamala Harris replacing President Biden as the Democratic nominee, suggesting that Harris could energize younger voters. He referenced data showing 62% of registered millennials and 61% of Gen Z voters cast ballots in the 2020 election, but turnout sharply dropped in the 2022 midterms to just 35% for millennials and 24% for Gen Z.
Bitzer emphasized that these generations represent a large portion of the voter pool, but getting them engaged remains a challenge. With North Carolina’s electorate closely split, even small shifts in voter turnout could have a major impact on the outcome.
“Minor changes in voter engagement here can make a big difference,” Bitzer said, adding that while politics are often considered local, national trends still play a significant role.
