This summer, 430 first-time voters gathered in Washington, D.C., for an opportunity to experience democracy at work in our nation’s capital and discuss deciding issues in the upcoming election. The event aimed to gauge the opinions of 17- and 18-year-olds with a representative sample from every state in America. 

Participants were particularly open to changing their minds in support of women’s healthcare. Engaging young voters on the issues of reproductive rights is essential in 2024. 

(This essay is part of a Women & Democracy multimedia package focused on Gen Z and student voters. The future envisioned by young leaders is bright—it’s built on reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, sustainability, freedom from violence and economic opportunity. Explore essays, a brand-new podcast, videos and more from some of your most loved [or soon to be!] influencers and writers, brought to you by Ms., DoSomething, the nonprofit that helps make volunteerism “cool,” and The Anthem Awards, the social impact arm of The Webbys.)