Voting Among Youth DROPS?

A new AP‑NORC poll finds that many U.S. adults under age 30 are less politically engaged and less likely to see voting as important, reflecting growing skepticism about democracy’s ability to address their concerns.

At a Glance

Just about two‑thirds of adults under 30 say voting is “very” or “extremely” important, compared to nearly nine‑in‑ten of those over 45.
Only around 2‑in‑10 young adults say they follow politics extremely or very closely, versus 45% of adults 60 and older.
Young adults rank the economy and healthcare as more personally significant than issues like immigration, government spending, or Middle East conflicts.
Roughly one‑third of adults under 30 identify as political independents, versus 17% of those aged 60 or over.
Despite lower engagement, youth turnout remained high in recent elections, but many express disillusionment with democracy’s effectiveness.

Youth Disengagement in Focus

A July 2025 AP‑NORC poll of 1,437 adults reveals that fewer than 20% of adults under 30 report following U.S. politics “very” or “extremely” closely, compared with 45% of those aged 60 and older. While many still vote, only two‑thirds of young adults consider voting personally important, a notable contrast with older generations.

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The poll highlights a widespread sense among young respondents that democracy does not meaningfully improve their lives. As one 26‑year‑old voter expressed, “It’s just picking the least bad option,” underscoring cynicism about political choices.

Issue Priorities and Party Disaffection

Economic and healthcare concerns stand out as the most personally important issues for young adults, aligning closely with older peers. However, topics like immigration, government spending, and Middle East affairs hold far less salience for this group. Fewer than half rate these issues as highly important, compared with 60% of older Americans.

Moreover, roughly one‑third of adults under 30 identify as independents—not aligned with either major party—a significant departure from the 17% independent share among those 60 plus. Young women under 30, in particular, are even less likely than young men to follow politics closely.

Voting Despite Disillusionment

Despite lower engagement, youth turnout was strong in recent elections—including 2020 and 2024. However, researchers note that high turnout has not correlated with increased confidence in political institutions among youth. Many continue to cast ballots even as they question democracy’s capacity to tackle their concerns.

Broader Consequences

This generational disengagement may reshape how political campaigns reach and mobilize youth. The disconnect between civic participation and political efficacy among young adults underscores a challenge for policymakers and organizers: bridging the gap between turnout and trust. Whether engagement increases with age remains open, but current trends signal rising independence and skepticism among younger Americans.