The hallways of American University buzz with political conversation this election season, but the tone has shifted markedly from previous cycles. As I speak with students between classes, I notice something different: not enthusiasm, but frustration.
“I feel stuck between two choices I don’t want,” says Maya Hernandez, a 20-year-old political science major. “It’s like being asked if I want to eat something I’m allergic to or something I hate.”
This sentiment echoes across campuses nationwide, reflecting a growing crisis of confidence among young voters. Recent polling from the Harvard Youth Poll indicates only 49% of Americans under 30 definitely plan to vote in November—down from 57% at the same point in 2020.
The discontent stems from multiple factors. Young voters increasingly view both major parties as disconnected from their priorities. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 70% of voters under 30 believe “ordinary citizens cannot influence what the government does.”
Having covered three presidential elections, I’ve never witnessed such widespread disillusionment. The frustration isn’t apathy—it’s a calculated rejection of choices many young people see as inadequate.
“I care deeply about politics,” explains James Wilson, a 22-year-old community college student in Michigan. “That’s exactly why I’m considering sitting this one out. Neither candidate speaks to the issues keeping me up at night.”
Those issues diverge significantly from what dominates mainstream political discourse. Climate change, affordable housing, and student debt relief consistently rank as top priorities for voters under 30, according to Tufts University’s CIRCLE research.
“Politicians talk about the economy, but they mean the stock market,” says Wilson. “I’m talking about whether I can afford rent next month.”
This disconnect feeds a growing independent streak. Nearly 45% of voters aged 18-29 now identify as independent or unaffiliated with either major party—the highest percentage of any age group.
The implications could reshape American politics. In battleground states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, where margins of victory often fall below 1%, young voter turnout—or lack thereof—could determine the election outcome.
Political parties know this. Both Democrats and Republicans have launched targeted youth outreach campaigns. Yet these efforts often miss the mark, according to Dr. Melissa Rodriguez, who studies youth political engagement at Georgetown University.
“Young voters can spot inauthenticity immediately,” Rodriguez told me. “Campaigns use TikTok or Instagram without addressing substantive policy concerns. It comes across as pandering.”
I visited a campaign field office in Philadelphia last week and noticed a stark age divide. While volunteers over 50 outnumbered younger staff by nearly three to one, the wall of voter contact scripts featured language attempting to sound “youth-friendly”—often with cringeworthy results.
The dissatisfaction extends beyond presidential politics. Only 31% of voters under 30 express trust in Congress, according to Gallup polling, a historic low point.
Some young people are channeling frustration into alternative political action. Grassroots organizations led by Gen Z activists have seen membership surge in recent months.
“If the system won’t represent us, we’ll build something new,” says Taylor Williams, founder of Youth Voice Collective in Atlanta. “We’re focused on local elections and direct community impact rather than national politics.”
This approach reflects a strategic pivot. Rather than abandoning political engagement entirely, many young
