Economic Issues Motivate Young Voters
February 22, 2024Key Takeaways
- Young voters are primarily focused on the economy and economic issues, ranging from housing to healthcare. Overall, young voters generally worry about the U.S. economy.
- Although generally supportive of Biden, many voice concern about the current system and state of the economy. They likely feel they come second to foreign aid and illegal immigrants.
- Overall, Biden’s approval on Economic Issues is higher than Democrats in general, though many young voters view both unfavorably
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
150,000
Geographical Breakdown
National, Swing States
Time Period
30 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
Messaging Analysis
The issues that are of most importance to younger voters in this presidential election are primarily focused on financial stability and fairness. There are concerns about high taxes, especially property taxes, which they feel are an unfair burden on them. Younger voters feel that the government is taking more than it should from hard-working people and they're seeking changes to this system.
There's also disappointment in the perceived corruption and cheating within the government, particularly when it comes to the issue of tax evasion by wealthy individuals. This sentiment is closely tied to a desire for greater transparency and accountability in politics. Some of the top issues include:
- Economic Policy: Many young voters are worried about economic inequality and the financial struggles faced by many Americans.
- Mental Health: There's a growing recognition among younger voters that mental health is a critical issue that deserves greater attention and resources.
- Education: Young voters are particularly concerned about the state of education in the United States.
- Health Care: Access to affordable, quality health care is a top concern for many younger voters.
Talking About
Approval
Economic Issues
Analysis reveals a wide variety of sentiments among young people towards economic and financial issues. A dominant theme is a concern about high property taxes, especially in states like New Jersey and New York. There is a sense of dissatisfaction among young homeowners who feel overburdened by what they perceive as excessive taxes. Some are advocating for the elimination of residential property taxes, arguing that homes are personal property and should not be subjected to such taxes.
Another issue of concern for younger voters is the perception of state-specific economic conditions. Some refer to "loser blue states" and "winner red states," indicating a polarization of views along political lines. In this context, the "loser" states are seen as having high taxes and unfavorable business conditions, while pushing young business owners and workers to consider moving to "winner" states where they believe their economic prospects would be better off.
There is also discontent about how tax money is spent. Some younger voters believe funds are misused or diverted to unworthy causes, leading to suggestions that they might stop paying taxes. This indicates a distrust in how government handles fiscal policy.
Some express anger about perceived unfairness in the tax system, specifically pointing to wealthy people or corporations that utilize loopholes to avoid paying high taxes. This sentiment might be tied to broader concerns about economic inequality.
On the topic of personal finance, there's a sense of urgency about changing the conventional financial wisdom. Young people are questioning traditional advice, such as going to school, getting a job, paying taxes, and investing in the stock market, suggesting they feel these paths may not lead to financial security in the current economy.
There is worry among younger people about the rising costs in areas like New York, with some linking it to high taxes, crime, and immigration. There is a shared feeling among some young people that these conditions are pushing out long-term residents.
In summary, the economic concerns of younger voters revolve around high property taxes, the misuse of tax revenue, disparities in the tax system, changes in personal financial management, and the high cost of living in certain regions. Their views often align with their political leanings, impacting their perception of different states' economic condition.
Swing States – Economic Issues
Opinions on economic issues differ sharply based on political bias. There are recurring themes like taxes, housing, homelessness, and business climate, which seem central to most demographics.
Many users, especially those who identify as supporters of former President Trump, express concerns about high taxes. They believe high taxes are punitive to successful businesses and individuals, particularly in states like New York and California. They argue that states with lower taxes, such as Florida and Texas, offer a better business environment.
Affordable housing is also a critical issue. Some younger voters accuse Trump of being racist for allegedly refusing to rent to black people in the past. Others lament the high cost of rent and the financial struggles associated with it, suggesting that this is a significant concern among many young voters.
Homelessness is another recurring theme, with users expressing empathy for the homeless. Some younger people believe the problem has worsened under current leadership, suggesting dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the issue.
The issue of job opportunities also features prominently. Some younger voters accuse politicians of insider trading, suggesting a belief that the political elite is corrupt and self-serving. This sentiment could indicate dissatisfaction with perceived inequality in the job market and the economy at large.