At the recent LiveWell Conference, I had the privilege of speaking about the critical role of civic engagement, particularly focusing on youth involvement in our democracy. This conversation felt especially timely, considering the recent analysis from the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) on youth voter registration and turnout in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
As I shared insights at the conference, I was struck by how the themes of the event aligned with the CIRCLE report’s findings. Despite the historic levels of youth participation seen in the 2020 election, this year's data reveals that many states are seeing a decline in youth registration. In fact, most states show fewer youth registered to vote than in 2020,
underlining the persistent barriers that young people face in accessing the ballot. During my talk, I emphasized that registration is often a significant obstacle for youth, which is something the CIRCLE report corroborates. However, the availability of same-day voter registration in over 25 states provides a glimmer of hope—young people still have opportunities to get involved and make their voices heard.
One of the most compelling parts of the CIRCLE report, which I highlighted during my session, was the positive trend in certain states where youth registration has increased, particularly among 18-19-year-olds. This is a hopeful sign that young people are finding ways to engage, even in the face of challenges. It reminds me of the powerful conversations I had with young leaders at the LiveWell Conference, who are actively working to bring their peers into the political process. They are tackling these barriers head-on, through innovative outreach, education, and advocacy.
Another key takeaway from the CIRCLE report that resonated with the conference’s theme was the importance of fostering a sense of community belonging. For Black youth, civic engagement is deeply tied to their sense of connection with their communities, and yet barriers to voting—such as disenfranchisement and systemic obstacles—continue to disproportionately affect them. This reality was a poignant reminder of the need for inclusive efforts that not only encourage youth participation but also address the social and systemic challenges that hinder it.
As I spoke at the conference, I reflected on the power of youth to shape our democracy. With states like Wisconsin identified as having significant youth electoral influence, I see a clear message: young people can make a real difference in our elections, and it's vital we support them in overcoming the barriers they face. Whether through policy changes, grassroots initiatives, or educational efforts, it's crucial that we continue to find ways to engage youth in the democratic process.
The LiveWell Conference was an inspiring reminder that civic engagement isn’t just about voting—it’s about building a culture of participation, connection, and belonging. Just as the CIRCLE data highlights both the challenges and bright spots for youth voters, the conference reinforced the importance of nurturing these efforts to ensure that future generations are not only registered to vote but are also empowered to create lasting change in their communities.
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