California
Related: About this forumWhat would get Gen Z to vote in California's primary? These candidates are trying
Despite making up one-fifth of the states voting population, most Gen Z Californians wont vote in the June 2 primary, which is stacked with several gubernatorial candidates.
The primary election tees up the ballot in November, which will also host other high-profile races and issues, such as the rest of the executive candidates, as well as propositions like the billionaires tax.
Generation Z, or those aged 14 to 29, makes up nearly 21% of eligible California voters, but their historical turnout is disproportionately low compared to the general voting population.
Young voters arent necessarily checked out. Rinu Nair, the president of the History and Civic Engagement Club at De Anza College in Cupertino, said that the student clubs meeting on the gubernatorial race drew the most participants of any meeting this year: 20. But students were often disillusioned by each candidate having a history of controversial actions.
https://calmatters.org/education/2026/05/california-primary-gen-z-voters/
Lovie777
(23,914 posts)lostincalifornia
(5,598 posts)that time it would be too late.
OC375
(1,128 posts)I'm done dragging people along.
Fiendish Thingy
(24,224 posts)Reject the single most powerful bloc of potential voters in the nation.
Dont waste time and energy on attempting to motivate them to get to the polls, eff em!.
With a strategy like that, we can never lose!
OC375
(1,128 posts)Catering explicitly to the youth vote is as useless as doing the same for the independent vote. Just get good on the right issues for everyone. Our message and methods really aren't complicated or secrets. D's are happy to hear new ideas, and some may actually get on to the platform someday, but it takes time (just ask Gen X).
In the meantime, if people are so wrapped up with their single issues that they can't eat some shit to go vote for the obviously better of two candidates, I really have no time for them. They are impotent. You'll never, please them, so spend your time elsewhere.
We stand for health, education and safety, and by now everybody on the planet knows exactly how our take on achieving that differs from Republicans. In the modern connected era, it's impossible not to, in great detail, ad infinitum...
So yes, if you aren't down with that, please stay home. You were never really here.
Auggie
(33,330 posts)GROW UP GEN Z.
VOTE!
Fiendish Thingy
(24,224 posts)Although turn out among young voters is below other age groups, it has improved significantly during the Trump era.
They are far from impotent - their abstention in 2024 cost Harris the election.
There are more independent voters than either Democrats or republicans.
When they vote, Young voters are the most consistent, reliable progressive voters in the country.
An increase of young voter turnout of even just 10% would give Dems landslide victories,, even in some areas thought to be solid red.
Meanwhile the consultant class is raking in big bucks telling Dems to go after Trump voters in Midwest diners.
Currently, according to numerous polls, Dems do not have a reputation as fighters for the American people. That is on the Dems, not the voters. With saboteurs like Manchin, Sinema and now Fetterman, Dems arent achieving much of anything, even when they have majorities.
You dont combat apathy and cynicism with arrogance, dismissal, and eff em.
That is the path to permanent minority status.
OC375
(1,128 posts)Thats my response to apathy and cynicism. Dead weight. If you dont care, I certainly dont. Your momma dont work here.
Fiendish Thingy
(24,224 posts)I hope youre not volunteering with any campaigns.
Because with an attitude like that, you would meet the definition of dead weight.
OC375
(1,128 posts)Most people don't lead, most of the time, even if they really deserve to. They have to be patient and do their time, like everyone before. That's why folks don't get much sympathy when they whine about no one letting them lead. It's the human condition, and entropy fixes it eventually.
Free life lesson.
Fiendish Thingy
(24,224 posts)And youre saying that fixes the human condition ?
Who says?
They can also choose to opt out, as nine million 2020 voters did in 2024, or refuse to sit down and shut up.
I think AOC, Maxwell Frost and Anderson Clayton would disagree with your perspective.
OC375
(1,128 posts)I dont make the rules. Everyone doesnt get to be governor or president. Some get it multiple times. Life is unfair.
Fiendish Thingy
(24,224 posts)True leaders dont listen to what Life Says.
Your flip answers show little insight or understanding of how things can be, only of how you expect them to be.
OC375
(1,128 posts)I agree. They should get off their asses.
Fiendish Thingy
(24,224 posts)That was proven in 2024.
OC375
(1,128 posts)Are they doing better now? More cash, better laws, more egalitarian life?
I hate Trump with a passion, but these apathetic young leaders really juiced my investments and home value by teaching us all a lesson on leadership and staying home in 2024. Id sleep better knowing we all had some sort of benefit from their voice, but I dont think that is the case.
It spoke to me, and told me they are short sighted.
msongs
(74,303 posts)stopdiggin
(15,685 posts)while Rome goes up in flames ..
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