New Kids on the (Voting) Block: Across the country, Gen Z — the most diverse voting group in US history — turned out in droves for Tuesday’s midterms. It’s part of a larger trend.
The Story
In some states (see: Michigan, Texas) lines to vote on college campuses were hours long. About 27% of voters 18-29 cast a ballot this election cycle, according to one report. That’s the second-highest turnout among the under-30 crowd in 30 years (and, oh wait, Gen Z also set the first-highest turnout record back in 2018). That might not seem like a lot — but, worth noting, youth voter turnout has historically hovered around 20% during midterms. And it’s only going to grow. Between 2016 (when their generation was first eligible to vote) and 2020, Gen Z has reportedly upped their raw vote total by 289%. That’s having an effect.
How do they vote?
Mostly blue. Democratic presidential candidates have won over youth in recent election cycles. The trend also extends to Congress. Now, people 18-29 are the only group in the US in which a strong majority (think: 63%) supports Democrats, according to exit polls. That’s not surprising, since some say that former President Donald Trump has split young Republican voters — particularly those who believe in limited government and fiscal conservatism but may be more socially progressive. But Gen Z isn’t just turning out at the polls…
Tell me.
They’re also getting directly involved. See: Influencers, who are using their channels to get out the vote. And, even more important: Gen Z is running for Congress. This week, 25-year-old Maxwell Frost won his election in Florida’s 10th Congressional District — giving Gen Z its first seat in the US House, where the average age of elected officials is currently about 58. Meanwhile, in New Hampshire, 25-year-old Karoline Leavitt lost her race against a two-term incumbent by only 25,000 votes. And Gen Z is also running for local office, filling seats that are low profile but more directly involved in the day-to-day of their communities.
theSkimm
Even though just 4% of Gen Z reportedly believe they’re living in a healthy democracy, that hasn’t stopped them from stepping up. But, it shouldn’t only fall on society’s youngest members to fix the problems and create a better future. That’s on all of us.
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Downtime
Downtime doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Here’s one idea for making the most of your weekend.
What a year this week has been. Whether you’ve been obsessively refreshing election results, watching the news round the clock, or holding your breath for days — the midterms have been a lot. If you’re feeling anxious and stressed, you’re not alone. In a nationwide survey ahead of the midterms, 66% of respondents pointed to politics as a major stressor. And it’s still not over.
As the battle for control of the House and Senate continues into the weekend (and perhaps beyond), here are some ways to pause, take a beat, and do something different.
Stop doomscrolling. Not to be obvious, but constantly scrolling for updates can create tension and anxiety. And once you start, it’s hard to stop. Instead, set aside certain times of the day when you’ll check the news (think: 20 minutes in the morning and evening).
Give back to your community. You might not be able to change the world, but you can change your world. That could mean donating your time or money to a cause you really believe in. Or it could be as simple as checking in on a neighbor.
Add a touch of humor to your life. Not taking things too seriously might have health benefits. So, get together with a group of your friends. Or turn on your fave comedy series.
Read up on some good news. Like how this Broadway star used her voice to help homeless dogs find their forever home. Or, the high school band director who made a student’s dream come true.
ICYMI, theSkimm’s Holiday Shoppes are packed to the brim with gift options for your dad, best friend, aunt, annnnd everyone else on your list. Now grab your wallet and prime your shopping cart, because today we’re checking out…
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On Our Radar
A big beauty sale at QVC, including brands like Tarte, Mac, and Philosophy. Prep your makeup collection for the holiday parties you're about to attend.
Skimm More
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Holiday shopping season has arrived, and we’ve rounded up discounts from some of our fave retailers so Loyalty members can find the best gifts for everyone on their list — including themselves. Like subscription boxes for every interest, specialty hot sauce, customized pet portraits, and kitchen essentials. Plus lots more. Bringing the holiday cheer home in 3, 2, 1…
Save the Date
Like ours, your work and personal calendars are probably hectic. So here are some events you should know about...
The next launch attempt for NASA’s Artemis I mission. That is, unless mother nature (or another issue) rains on the parade…again.
The 2022 Latin Grammy Awards. All eyes will be on Bad Bunny, who’s leading this year with 10 noms. And Angela Alvarez, the 95-year-old “Nana” up for best new artist.
“She Said,” the movie based on Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey’s groundbreaking investigation into Harvey Weinstein, arrives in theaters.*
PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it here.
Skimm'd by: Maria del Carmen Corpus, Xian Chiang-Waren, Melissa Goldberg, and Clem Robineau
