ATLANTA, GA (Atlanta News First) – There are just over three months left until Americans will decide which candidate will lead the country.
But in recent weeks, there have been new efforts to try to get younger voters to the polls.
“At the University of Georgia, where I just graduated, we have 40,000 undergraduates, enough to swing the election,” said Katie Gates, chair of the Georgia College Democrats.
Gaetz said he witnessed the difference young voters in Georgia made in the 2020 general election and the 2022 midterm elections.
Gates is currently part of Voters of Tomorrow, a Gen Z-led organization working to get the next generation involved this election season.
The group has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
“As in the past few elections, we expect young voters to be a key part of her winning coalition,” Gaetz said.
While social media plays a big role in keeping Gen Z engaged, Gates said there are other strategies for getting young voters to the polls beyond just posting.
“We’re mobilizing our volunteer network to engage in peer-to-peer organizing, where young people call on each other,” Gates said.
Young Democrats aren’t the only ones focusing on connecting with Gen Z.
“Our lives are at stake in this election,” said Chris Karuskas, a junior Republican from Atlanta.
Carasca said he has been working over the past few weeks to reach out to the next generation of voters.
“Do it door to door, phone banking, talking to your neighbors and friends, texting, do whatever you want because this is a very important election for young people,” Karuska said.
Karaska also said he expects many young people in Georgia to support Republican candidates in the November election.
Karuska said he believes the economy is something that should concern everyone, including the youngest voters.
“This is our future, this is us pursuing the American dream,” he said.
While no one knows who will win the White House in November, young people are working hard to make their voices heard this fall.
“The key message here is to go vote,” Karuska said.
“It’s important for people to understand that although one vote may seem small, it actually makes a difference,” Gates said.
Harris is scheduled to visit Atlanta for a campaign rally on Tuesday.
Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak Friday night at Turning Point Action’s Believers Summit in Palm Beach County, Florida.
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