Youth may experience “inequitable, unsafe, or unhealthy conditions” in their work and communities. Young people also have fresh perspectives, creativity, energy, and optimism, which makes them valuable contributors to their societies. Getting youth involved in shaping systems and structures which affect health may address the upstream causes of poor health and inequities. Supporting youth involvement can lead to improved population health as young people choose careers and civic stewardship to improve their workplaces, schools, communities, and health care systems. Youth engagement in organizing sets them up to stay involved for life, may facilitate access to college, can build skills for employment in the future.
Voting and the Social Determinants of Health
Political engagement can affect the social determinants of health, since voting shapes health policy. Elected representatives decide social determinants such as access to education, the minimum wage, child nutrition programs, social services, housing, and working conditions. A literature review found that voting is associated with health, and those with worse health are less likely to vote. Similarly, the Health and Democracy Index also indicates that “states with more inclusive voting policies and greater levels of civic participation are healthier,” while “states with exclusionary voting laws and lower levels of civic participation are less healthy.” Improved access to electoral engagement is linked to social cohesion and better health.
Young people vote at lower rates. Why?
In the U.S., United Kingdom, France, and Germany, young people are less likely to vote than their older peers. Habit formation may play a role, as older people may be more settled and have deeper roots in their communities. Youth may lack knowledge on how to register for the first time due to barriers to entry; voting may be easier the second or third time. Opportunity costs of time spent in line at polling places or learning about the candidates may also be a factor for young people.
Barriers to voting can include not being able to get time off work, waiting in long lines at a polling place, missing the voter registration deadline, or a lack of transportation to the polls. Voting during the pandemic was also challenging as concerns about social distancing or congregating in public places may have affected young voters.
A Survey on Youth Civic Engagement
The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE) is a leading research center focused on civic engagement. The Center conducted a pre-2024 election poll, which surveyed 2,017 U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 34. The survey asked about a range of attitudes and beliefs about youth civic engagement. The survey found that 57% of these young voters said they were “extremely likely” to vote. 51% said they would back a Democratic candidate for president and 30% said they would support the Republican candidate. Based on the survey, key issues for youth included the economy, climate change, and gun violence. 19% of this group said they had been contacted by political parties or campaigns.
In the U.S. since the 2022 midterm elections, more than 8 million young people have reached voting age, for a total of about 40.8 million members of Gen Z eligible to vote in the 2024 elections. 45% of the 40 million Gen Z voters and 47% of new voters of ages 18-19 are people of color. Youth of color make up a majority among the new voters in the Southern and Western United States, which has implications for competitive races in states like Arizona and Nevada.
Advancing Health Equity through Youth Civic Engagement Youth have a stake in long-term positive outcomes of their communities and the world; they will be the future leaders. Engaging them in movement building and leadership can foster skills which will benefit society now and later in their lives. Youth civic engagement is a complex trend to change, however, there are a few strategies which can help:
Make information available on voter registration and polling. Providing clear information on how to register and get to the polls is key to increasing voter turnout and empowering young people to vote. Making voter registration easier for everyone will make voting easier for young people.
Improve civics education and health literacy. Integrating comprehensive civics education into school curriculums and highlighting the connection between voting and health equity may strengthen civic engagement in the long term.
Support youth-led initiatives and organizations focused on Health Equity. Supporting these initiatives and organizations empowers young people to advocate for healthier communities.
Leverage technology and social media for health advocacy. Use digital platforms to engage with young voters, providing information on how voting impacts health policies and encouraging participation in the electoral process.
Voting and the social determinants of health are deeply linked. Encouraging youth civic engagement can have a positive impact on society in the immediate future and the long term.
Interested in learning more?
For more on youth civic engagement, check out P4HE’s partner organization, National Coalition for LGBTQ Health. The organization’s advocacy page provides updates on events and legislation affecting LGBTQIA+ people in the U.S.
P4HE’s partner organization, the National Women's Health Network has a get out the vote #4Her2024 campaign underway. For more on this initiative, check out the 4Her2024 page.