Young US voters head to midterms with high excitement but low early turnout
The gist
A Harvard poll found 63% of likely young Democratic voters planned to vote, versus 26% of young Republicans.
About 50 million Gen Z voters are eligible, but midterms are their weakest.
How it unfolded
- Jul 2025The One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed Congress, sharply cutting government spending and limiting student loans.
- Sep 24, 2026A national Emerson College poll found more than 95% of voters age 18-29 were very or somewhat excited to cast a ballot in November.
- Oct 13, 2026In Mecklenburg County, 66% of 18-year-olds were registered to vote, versus 81% of people 45 and older, per The Civics Center.