The Youth Vote Is Essential to Democracy (Series)

Harness the Power of Your Vote: A Young Voter’s Guide for 2024

As the Nov. 5 election approaches, young voters have a unique opportunity to shape their future. This election is a chance to amplify our voices on the issues that matter most to us. For many, this will be our first presidential election, and while the excitement is palpable, the process can feel overwhelming. Between registering to vote, researching candidates, and determining how to cast our ballot, it’s easy to feel lost. As we navigate these steps, this guide is here to empower you in making your voice heard.

(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.)

‘That’s My Dad!’: Helping Men Find Purpose in an Angry World

Young men in the U.S. are in an existential crisis, and from even the most casual browsing of their online spaces, their anger and loneliness are obvious. For these male biological challenges, we need empathy and understanding. For the social constructions of masculinity, the way we raise boys and socialize men, we need a bold, new social project. As grandiose as it may sound, men are seeking purpose. 

(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.)

Young People of *All* Political Parties Favor Abortion and Contraception Access, Says America in One Room Data

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.)

Youth Are Protecting Our Democracy. We Need to Invest in Them.

For centuries, girls and gender-expansive youth have been engaging in democracy through their communities, developing social contracts and mobilizing for civic engagement.

Despite their crucial role, they remain undervalued and underfunded. Grantmakers for Girls of Color (G4GC) is working to change this by mobilizing resources for youth-led organizations across the United States. Investing in these young leaders and their initiatives will foster a more equitable and just democracy.

“Just because we can’t vote yet doesn’t mean we don’t care!”

(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.)