I remember casting my first ballot in 2020—fresh into college amidst the swirling storm of the pandemic. It felt monumental, a true rite of passage into adulthood. Now at 24, I’m excited to participate in my second election. But this election season… It feels different.

Ever since Biden endorsed Harris to succeed him and Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, this election has transformed into more than just a political battleground; it's become a cultural moment. My generation, raised on TikToks about social justice and memes dissecting policy debates, is stepping into the political arena to join this intense close fight. With Gen Z making up about 20% of the U.S. population and 30% of all eligible voters, we’re finally realizing that yes, our voices matter. And it shows, not just at the polls, but on the streets. Everywhere you look, our culture of speaking up has influenced changes big and small.

Political figures are adapting to this shifting media landscape, directly through the digital platforms in our hands. Podcasts and alternative media have become crucial for engaging younger audiences. Kamala Harris on Call Her Daddy with Alex Cooper and Donald Trump on Joe Rogan? We’ve never seen anything like it.

It’s thrilling to watch people who once only cared about sneaker drops and Spotify Wrapped (still very important) now debating which candidate offers a better path forward over $7 iced matcha lattes (thank you, inflation). For a generation raised in uncertainty, from economic crashes to climate disasters, apathy isn’t an option anymore. We’ve grown up hearing that the future depends on us, and now it’s our turn to shape it. So, whether it's a vote for policy change or a vote against complacency, it’s personal. So this election, in true fashion, we’re showing up and showing out at the polls.

- From a fellow Gen Z voter