“The young are not fit to be students of political sciences for they have no experience of life and conduct.” ~ Aristotle in “Nicomachean Ethics.”
In school, politics can be a “touchy” subject. Gen Z is full of kids anyway. Why should they care? Well, in the 2024 presidential election, young people will now play a crucial role in the polls, composing nearly 20% of the total electorate population. With every Generation Z (1997-2012) member born before 2007 – nearly all of East’s recently graduated seniors and a fraction of its class of 2025 – becoming eligible to vote, students share their thoughts and discuss how East’s environment has shaped their feelings as first-time voters.
For decades, the Democratic Party has held a substantial edge among the younger demographic, with about two-thirds of voters ages 18 to 24 associating with the left wing and 34% aligning with the right in 2024. Furthermore, an Eastside survey issued to new voters from the classes of 2024 and 2025 revealed that East heavily mirrors these trends, with student support for Kamala Harris nearly tripling that of Trump. However, despite the preference for Harris, 72% of all poll respondents reported having less than 50% confidence in either candidate, with 0% feeling above 80% confident in their chosen party.
“I don’t love either candidate. I do have a preference for one of them, but if there was a better candidate for that party, I would choose them over this current one,” said one senior, with another continuing, “I am not voting for Kamala; I’m just voting for the Democratic Party to maintain office.”
As 40% of all respondents selected 1-2 out of 10 when asked about their enthusiasm to vote, East students report feelings of “settling” for their chosen candidate, not displaying much hope no matter the outcome.
But while surveyors commented that “America is falling apart,” and “voting this election sucks and both candidates are bad,” their sense of hopelessness moreso lies in feelings of futility as voters. With few respondents citing excitement to vote this election, many reported that they “doubt as to whether there will be any real/significant change for the average American citizen,” “feel as if [their] votes [don’t] really matter since NJ is typically Democratic,” or have no desire to vote at all.
And though 84% of respondents selected 5+ out of 10 when asked about their comfort in disclosing their voting preferences, it’s clear that political division and fear of judgment still inhibit political discussion at East.
“It’s not easy to debate peacefully [because] people can become very aggressive… It has caused rifts in friendships and families when taken too far or not approached maturely,” said one student. Another reported that “people at East are very judgy when it comes to political parties,” and “[they] don’t want to be hated on unnecessarily for [their] choice.”
Now more than ever, young voices at East – with the potential to choose and become our nation’s leaders – have the power to shape the future of our country. Enriching civil debate, educating ourselves and encouraging new voters to head to the polls will ensure that our voices get heard. We’re living in 2024, not 350 BC. As young adults, we have the right – the responsibility – to study and engage in politics to shape the lives we want to live.
