TJ Lundeen, South Carolina Election Commission Director of Public Information and Outreach, answers student journalists’ questions in a news conference on March 2 in the Columbia Marriott Hotel. With the SCEC, Lundeen worked to inform community members and increase engagement with the voting process. “You should have to register and be someone who takes an active part in voting to make sure that your voice is heard so that you can help shape whatever future you’re looking to make,” Lundeen said. Photo by Wyatt Meyer
In light of the upcoming national elections, the South Carolina Election Commission is working to engage and inform young voters before they go to the polls.
With the 2024 U.S. presidential election being held on Nov. 5, the South Carolina Election Commission recognizes that youth voters between the ages of 18 and 29 consistently have a lower voter turnout compared to their older counterparts.
During the 2022 U.S. midterm elections, 23% of eligible youth voters cast their ballots nationwide, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning at Tufts University. TJ Lundeen, South Carolina Election Commission Director of Public Information and Outreach, sees this as an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed.
“To think that the individuals who will be shaping our country for the longest period of time and, during that election, be the smallest number of turnout is something that is a bit difficult. It’s a challenge for us as the election commission,” Lundeen said.
In a 2022 survey by Tufts University, two out of every five voting eligible youths felt well-qualified to participate in elections, which Lundeen feels is less than ideal.
“People who are younger may not feel like their vote matters. A lot of folks look at politicians as an older person whose activities overburden the game,” Lundeen said. “So what we’re trying to do as a state election commission is energize that (youth) voter base to understand that your vote counts just as much as anyone else’s, and it’s important for you to let your voice be heard.”
Although young voters have a low voter turnout as politicians may target older demographics, voter Ginger Thrift believes that participation is necessary to the practice.
“The candidates that (young voters) have to vote for in any election, from town, county, all the way up to the state and into the big presidential one do not engage the youth like they should,” Thrift said. “(Candidates are) losing a huge opportunity to involve people in that age bracket, to help get the word out and to help get them engaged in politics.”
A slideshow displays young voters’ thoughts on the voting process and upcoming elections. Voters, including Lauren Mafferi, shared their desired characteristics in candidates. “I really value candidates who look for ways to use Christian ideologies and values (whose) goal is to bring people together rather than trying to divide,” Maffei said.” (I want candidates to) restore the broken parts of this world, and there are a lot of broken parts.” Graphic by Carolyn Griffeth and Wyatt Meyer
With all mainstream 2024 presidential candidates ranging from 51 to 81 years old according to USA Today, there is an age gap between youth voters and candidates. Voter Cedric McEachin feels that this discourages young voters.
“With the current (candidates), the disconnect is because they’re not relating to who (young voters) are. When President Obama ran, he ran for a younger scale, so he had a more youthful drive towards the polls,” McEachin said.
For Lundeen, participation in politics allows youth voters to affect the outcome of elections that are typically dominated by voters over 30.
“The older generations control things and they really kind of keep that stranglehold on the turnout and the way that they cast their ballots. And so as the younger generation, (voting is) an opportunity for you to let your voice be heard and to make an impact.”
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