With a new administration about to take office, we’re kicking off our second season of B The Way Forward by talking about one of the most powerful tools for change we have access to -- our vote. And digging into why - in the most recent presidential election -less than 40% of young voters showed up, compared to a record-breaking 50% in 2020.
GenZ and Millennials make up the largest voting bloc in the country. Re-engaging this slice of the electorate will be crucial for preserving our democracy for years to come. But can the major political parties do it? Or is it up to outside groups to find new ways to rally young voters without relying on the goodwill and political fortune of these institutions?
For a perspective on the inside approach, we chat with Paul Jones, President of the Young Democrats of Illinois to see why he thinks young people - traditionally a strong part of the party’s base - stayed home and how the party can get them back.
Then we talk to Lucille Wenegieme, Executive Director non-partisan voter-advocacy group HeadCount to learn why she thinks that to really get young people engaged, you have to meet them where they are - without the baggage of entrenched political parties.
For more from our guests, check out...
Paul Jones on
Instagram - @Jonesy630
Threads - @Jonesy630
Young Democrats of Illinois on
Instagram - @ilyoungdems
HeadCount on
On X - @headcountorg
On Instagram - @headcountorg
On TikTok - @headcountorg
On Facebook - /HeadCountOrg
On the Web - headcount.org
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Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.
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B The Way Forward Is…
Hosted and Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson.
Produced by Avi Glijansky
Associate Produced by Kelli Kyle
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Creative Director for AnitaB.org is Deandra Coleman
Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Frequency Machine
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Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions
For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org