Engage (Don't Enrage) Young Voters - Partners 4 Democracy

Engage (Don’t Enrage) Young Voters

They Can Be the Difference in 2026

Odds makers Maxim Lott and John Stossel rate the odds of the Democrats taking the House in 2026 at 74.5%. Obviously, a lot can change between now and then, but the point is there is reason for optimism. But it won’t just happen – it will take work. And there is something very important you can do over the upcoming holidays to further the cause.

Recent elections have given Democrats encouraging momentum as we go into 2026. Democratic governors were elected by wider than expected margins in Virginia and New Jersey, not to mention the first Democratic mayor in 30 years in Miami. In a special election on November 2 in a heavily Trump rural House district in Tennessee, the Republican margin of victory was reduced from 22 points for Trump in 2024 to 9 points for the Republican House candidate. And polls indicate that independents and traditional Democratic constituencies that shifted to the right and voted for Trump now recognize they were sold a bill of goods.

But success in 2026 will require informed citizens who believe that elections matter (if you have any question, reflect on the last year). A major target for Democrats is young voters (18-24) who may have lost confidence in the political process. They may not believe that they have it in their power change outcomes and policies by the simple act of voting.

Many recent elections have been won by inches, and we can expect the same in 2026. Whether young voters show up on election day and how they vote could be the difference in many contests. And yet, a smaller percentage of young voters bother coming to the polls – even though arguably they have the most at stake. And, it is getting worse, not better. The percentage of eligible young voters who voted in 2024 was less than in 2020:

If we are to begin to turn this country around, it starts with taking the House in 2026, and possibly the Senate too. That will require strong turnout and support from young voters. Controlling the House would give Democrats a focused platform which we do not now have and show voters a different vision for the future of our country. It also would allow Democrats to set their own agenda, thereby forcing Republican members to take votes that they would prefer not to have to take. Equally important, Democrats would control the committees, including the ability to engage in meaningful oversight and the power to issues subpoenas to compel testimony and produce documents.

What can you do about it? Over the holidays, you may well have the occasion to converse with young voters. How you talk with them is as important as what you say. Young people have a lot on their minds but may be feeling no one is listening or that adults talk down to them. The holidays may be a time to find out what they are thinking, what their attitude is towards voting, and if they plan to vote, what are they looking for in the candidates. You may also want to learn where they are getting their news and information and possibly suggest additional sources of news and information

Much has been written recently on how to conduct conversations where there may be strong disagreements that have the potential of undermining or even destroying personal relationships and family ties. The advice applies well to all political conversations. We are advised to enter those conversations with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. Strive for mutual understanding rather than persuasion or winning an argument.

Experts recommend making it a special point to listen carefully and prompt conversation by asking questions rather than making definitive proclamations. Young voters value feeling heard and respected. As you listen, engage the other person’s curiosity. Instead of asking “why do you believe X?”, try asking “how would that work?”

The goal, of course, is for your conversations to lead to an understanding of why voting matters, that the outcome can have a profound impact on their lives, and that both good and misleading information is out there, so it is worth looking around for serious and truthful news. Many young voters have become cynical about institutions and the political process, but gathering information, thinking, and voting in elections are the best ways to address those concerns

In his autobiography Benjamin Franklin advised that to have better conversations with friends, you should speak with humility and use tentative language, as being overly firm can make others unwilling to engage or learn from you. He also suggested avoiding pointless talk, listening more than you speak, and not dominating the conversation. Good advice for today.

Happy holidays from your friends at P4D.

They Can Be the Difference in 2026.

Odds makers Maxim Lott and John Stossel rate the odds of the Democrats taking the House in 2026 at 74.5%. Obviously, a lot can change between now and then, but the point is there is reason for optimism. But it won’t just happen – it will take work. And there is something very important you can do over the upcoming holidays to further the cause.

Recent elections have given Democrats encouraging momentum as we go into 2026. Democratic governors were elected by wider than expected margins in Virginia and New Jersey, not to mention the first Democratic mayor in 30 years in Miami. In a special election on November 2 in a heavily Trump rural House district in Tennessee, the Republican margin of victory was reduced from 22 points for Trump in 2024 to 9 points for the Republican House candidate. And polls indicate that independents and traditional Democratic constituencies that shifted to the right and voted for Trump now recognize they were sold a bill of goods.

But success in 2026 will require informed citizens who believe that elections matter (if you have any question, reflect on the last year). A major target for Democrats is young voters (18-24) who may have lost confidence in the political process. They may not believe that they have it in their power change outcomes and policies by the simple act of voting.

Many recent elections have been won by inches, and we can expect the same in 2026. Whether young voters show up on election day and how they vote could be the difference in many contests. And yet, a smaller percentage of young voters bother coming to the polls – even though arguably they have the most at stake. And, it is getting worse, not better. The percentage of eligible young voters who voted in 2024 was less than in 2020:

If we are to begin to turn this country around, it starts with taking the House in 2026, and possibly the Senate too. That will require strong turnout and support from young voters. Controlling the House would give Democrats a focused platform which we do not now have and show voters a different vision for the future of our country. It also would allow Democrats to set their own agenda, thereby forcing Republican members to take votes that they would prefer not to have to take. Equally important, Democrats would control the committees, including the ability to engage in meaningful oversight and the power to issues subpoenas to compel testimony and produce documents.

What can you do about it? Over the holidays, you may well have the occasion to converse with young voters. How you talk with them is as important as what you say. Young people have a lot on their minds but may be feeling no one is listening or that adults talk down to them. The holidays may be a time to find out what they are thinking, what their attitude is towards voting, and if they plan to vote, what are they looking for in the candidates. You may also want to learn where they are getting their news and information and possibly suggest additional sources of news and information.

Much has been written recently on how to conduct conversations where there may be strong disagreements that have the potential of undermining or even destroying personal relationships and family ties. The advice applies well to all political conversations. We are advised to enter those conversations with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. Strive for mutual understanding rather than persuasion or winning an argument.

Experts recommend making it a special point to listen carefully and prompt conversation by asking questions rather than making definitive proclamations. Young voters value feeling heard and respected. As you listen, engage the other person’s curiosity. Instead of asking “why do you believe X?”, try asking “how would that work?”

The goal, of course, is for your conversations to lead to an understanding of why voting matters, that the outcome can have a profound impact on their lives, and that both good and misleading information is out there, so it is worth looking around for serious and truthful news. Many young voters have become cynical about institutions and the political process, but gathering information, thinking, and voting in elections are the best ways to address those concerns.

In his autobiography Benjamin Franklin advised that to have better conversations with friends, you should speak with humility and use tentative language, as being overly firm can make others unwilling to engage or learn from you. He also suggested avoiding pointless talk, listening more than you speak, and not dominating the conversation. Good advice for today.

Happy holidays from your friends at P4D.