How do we get more young people to vote? That's the question every political operative, organizer, and policy wonk is asking after 2024. The answer isn't more memes. It's structural policy. Here's the playbook.
This is for campaign managers, state legislators, and advocacy groups who want to move the needle. You don't have time for wishful thinking. You need concrete steps that have been proven to work, backed by data.
1. Make Registration Automatic
The single biggest lever you have is automatic voter registration (AVR). Look at Minnesota. They implemented AVR and pre-registration for 16-year-olds, and their youth turnout was the highest in the nation: 62% of 18-29 year-olds voted in 2024, compared to the national average of 47% (CIRCLE). That's not a coincidence. AVR means that when someone gets a driver's license or interacts with a state agency, they're automatically registered to vote unless they opt out. It removes the biggest hurdle to voting: the registration step itself.
2. Pre-Register 16 and 17 Year Olds
Pre-registration is the other half of Minnesota's success. By letting 16-year-olds register, you create a habit and a sense of civic identity before they even turn 18. And it pays off. In Minnesota, 18- and 19-year-olds voted at a 60% rate, the highest in the country, which CIRCLE directly ties to these policies. If you want to boost youth turnout, this is a no-brainer.
3. Expand Early Voting and Mail Voting
Young people have busy, unpredictable lives. The more flexibility you give them, the more likely they'll vote. In 2024, 35.2% of all voters cast their ballot early in person, and 30.3% by mail (EAC). These options are especially important for young voters, who are more likely to be students or working multiple jobs. If your state restricts early voting or mail voting, you're actively suppressing youth turnout. Push for expanded access.
4. Target Young Men Specifically
There's a massive gender gap. In 2024, 50% of young women voted, but only 41% of young men did (CIRCLE). That's a 9-point gap. Why? Young men are less civically engaged: they're less likely to protest or sign petitions (CIRCLE). They need targeted outreach that speaks to their concerns. The economy and jobs was the top issue for 40% of youth, and those who prioritized it voted for Trump by a 22-point margin (CIRCLE). If you want to reach young men, talk about economic opportunity, not just democracy.
5. Address the Trust Deficit
Young people don't trust the system. Only 16% of young people believe democracy is working for them (CIRCLE). And only 30% of Americans trust the news overall (Reuters Institute). If you want to get young people to vote, you have to rebuild trust. That means being transparent about the process, engaging with them on their platforms, and showing that their vote actually matters. Don't lecture them about civic duty; show them how voting affects their lives.
6. Don't Forget Rural Youth
Rural youth turnout was 42% in 2024, 5 points below urban and suburban youth (CIRCLE). That gap is narrowing, but it's still significant. Rural youth face unique barriers: they may have to travel farther to polling places, have less access to early voting, and feel more disconnected from the political conversation. If you're running a GOTV operation, don't just focus on cities. Invest in rural outreach.
7. What Can Go Wrong: The Backlash
Here's the warning: making voting easier will face political opposition. Some will argue that it increases fraud (it doesn't) or that it benefits one party (it doesn't). You need to be prepared for that. But the data is on your side. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission reports that nearly 100% of jurisdictions used voting equipment that produces a paper ballot or an auditable paper record in 2024 (EAC). The system is secure. Don't let fear-mongering derail your reforms.
| Policy | Impact on Youth Turnout | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Voter Registration | High – removes registration barrier | Minnesota: 62% youth turnout |
| Pre-registration for 16-17 year olds | High – builds habit early | Minnesota: 60% for 18-19 year olds |
| Early voting / mail voting | Moderate – increases convenience | 35.2% early in person, 30.3% by mail (2024) |
| Targeted outreach to young men | Moderate – addresses gender gap | Gender gap: 50% vs 41% |
| Trust-building initiatives | Low but essential – long-term | Only 16% of youth say democracy works |
| Rural youth outreach | Moderate – narrows rural-urban gap | Rural turnout: 42% vs 47% urban/suburban |
The Bottom Line
The most important thing to remember: structural changes work. Automatic registration and pre-registration aren't just nice ideas; they're proven to boost youth turnout. If you want to see higher numbers in 2028, start pushing for these policies now. The data is clear. The playbook is in your hands.
Sources
- Tufts University (CIRCLE) - https://www.michigan.gov/sos/resources/news/2025/09/09/tufts-university-report-michigan-had-nations-largest-young-voter-turnout-increase-in-2024-elections
- CIRCLE (Tufts) / 2024 youth turnout estimate - https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/new-data-nearly-half-youth-voted-2024
- EAC / EAVS 2024 Comprehensive Report - https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/2024_EAVS_Report_508.pdf
- CIRCLE (Tufts) / 25 things young voters 2025 - https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/25-things-we-learned-about-young-voters-2025
- Reuters Institute / Digital News Report 2025 (US) - https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2025/united-states
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