Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing journalistic initiative to examine the political thinking of Staten Island’s Gen Z population ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Gen Z is made up of those born between 1997 and 2012 and is presently the youngest generation with the power to vote in the United States. If you or someone you know would like to participate in “Election 2024: Gen Z may hold the key,” please e-mail [email protected].
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As the earliest demographic able to vote in the United States, Gen Z’s power to sway the outcome of our nation’s direction has been a crowning jewel to the nominees.
As time on the political clock is ticking away, with the nominees exerting last appeals to voters before the election comes, we want to know: Gen Z, who are you officially voting for?
Whether Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump is the next U.S. president will come down to you, Gen Z — the future of our politics and our nation.
Over the past several months, the Advance/SILive.com team has been asking Staten Island Gen Zers about their views on national issues, like abortion, the migrant crisis, and gun control. We even asked about opinions on the candidates — when it was President Joe Biden versus Trump, and now Harris versus Trump.
Some Gen Zers weren’t sure who to vote for; others were staunch supporters of their preferred candidate. But as the weeks whittle away, and each campaign continues to hone their political knives against each other, things might have changed for some undecided voters.
Staten Island Gen Zers offer their perspectives on national issues plaguing us all. (Getty Images)Getty Images
This illusive group of noncommittal voters might apply to you; it might not.
Either way, some other generations scoff at Gen Z, saying that they’re too entitled, too soft — that Gen Z has had it easier than other generations. But they have grown up in the post-9/11 era, and during the 2008 recession and a global pandemic.
And a single vote can change an election during a voting year.
The power is in your hands, Gen Z.
