According to a recent CBS News/YouGov survey conducted from June 17-21, 2024, America's youngest voters are expressing worries about the future they are inheriting. Many voters under the age of 30 believe that older generations, particularly Baby Boomers, are leaving behind a more dangerous world with a worse environment and fewer opportunities.

These young voters represent a more diverse group compared to older generations. They believe that politics would be improved with more diversity, including more minorities, women, and young people in office. However, despite their concerns and aspirations, they are less likely to participate in the political process through voting.

The younger generation has already faced significant challenges, including the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of them had their education interrupted by lockdowns, leaving them feeling that their academic progress was hindered. They also grew up in an atmosphere overshadowed by concerns about gun violence, a matter that was less prominent in previous generations.

Today, young voters overwhelmingly feel that it has become harder to achieve traditional markers of success. They believe that buying a house, raising a family, finding good job opportunities, or starting a business are more challenging for them compared to previous generations. Despite the strong national jobs numbers, these young individuals perceive difficulties in securing meaningful employment.

Nevertheless, most young voters remain hopeful about attaining the American Dream in the future. They see themselves as a "creative" generation, with characteristics such as innovation and diversity that they believe will enable them to eventually bring about positive change in the world.

The concerns of young voters differ from those of older generations. Climate change, abortion rights, and promoting diversity are among their primary focuses. They also express disappointment with the current choices presented to them in the presidential race, with half of them feeling that both President Biden and former President Donald Trump are out of touch with their generation. This dissatisfaction may impact their participation in the electoral process.

Despite their concerns and disappointments, a majority of young voters still believe that they have a say in the political process. However, only a third of them are actively thinking about the upcoming presidential race. When asked why they might not vote, some cited lack of appeal, lack of time, or a belief that the entire political system is flawed.

Economic factors significantly influence the voting decisions of young people, similar to the rest of the electorate. However, they also consider other issues, including abortion, climate change, and racial and gender diversity. On these issues, their views align more closely with President Biden.

The survey also revealed disparities between young Democrats and young Republicans in terms of voter turnout likelihood. Currently, young Democrats express lower levels of motivation to turn out compared to their Republican counterparts.

Young voters also have particular perspectives on issues such as gun policy and canceling student loan debt. They support stricter gun laws and show strong support for canceling student loan debt, which aligns with President Biden's stance on these matters.

Notably, the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas ranks lower in importance among the concerns of young voters, with issues like the economy and abortion taking precedence. They are more likely than their older counterparts to call for an end to Israel's military action and emphasize the need for immediate action on climate change.

While most young voters support the legality of abortion, they are less confident that President Biden would push for a national law legalizing it. They are also more uncertain about former President Trump's stance on the issue.

The survey encompassed a nationally representative sample of 2,460 U.S. adults, with an oversample of 743 adults aged 18-29. The overall sample was weighted to reflect national demographics based on gender, age, race, education, and the 2020 presidential vote. The margin of error for the total sample is ±2.8 points, while for the adults aged 18-29, it is ±5.2 points.

The extent of the younger generation's participation in the 2024 elections will shape the future political landscape of the country. Historically, younger voters have shown lower turnout compared to older voters, attributed to various factors such as life stage and level of commitment to civic engagement. Nonetheless, their voices and concerns have the potential to influence and shape the policy agenda moving forward.