As Generation Z steps into adulthood, the decisions of those in power will shape their lives in ways that are often hard to reverse. That’s why the results of this year’s election are so shocking. According to a Tufts University study, approximately 42% of voters aged 18-29 voted in the November 2024 election. This low turnout possibly ushered in a xenophobic and misogynistic candidate who is a convicted felon that incited a riotous attack on our capitol: Donald J. Trump. Trump’s influence on the U.S. Supreme Court, his stance on the environment, and his preference for shifting power back to the states will all affect young people’s lives. Fundamental rights that a lot of young people care about could potentially be stripped down. As a generation that values diversity and opportunity, Gen Z could find itself at odds with the politicians that are deciding everything.
Here’s how these potential shifts could play out and why young people should be paying close attention.
If you did not know already, Trump appointed three judges to the highest court in our country- the U.S. Supreme Court. This led to a conservative shift which all happened in his first term. As a result, they overturned Roe v Wade, stripping the national protection for abortion access. This term, there’s a chance Trump may have the opportunity to make the court even more conservative than it already is due to the possible retirement of current judges. This means our court will be filled with far-right activist judges for decades, potentially our generation’s entire life. Decisions that may overturn our existing rights and regulations will be even harder to reverse.
Regarding environmental protections, a conservative court might reduce federal regulations that aim to reduce damages on ecosystems or address climate change. In the 2022 court case of West Virginia v. EPA, the final decision restricted the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating the release of carbon dioxide. With less regulation from a federal government, large corporations could continue practices that harm the environment, and younger generations would be the ones to deal with the long-term impacts. Even our own state of Florida favors policies that focus on hunting rights more than its environmental consequences. Florida Amendment 2 gives the right to hunt and fish forever. It was passed in the 2024 election. Meanwhile, according to Kirsten Schuijt, who has a PhD in environmental science, the planet has lost 69% of its wildlife over the past 50 years.
The conservative vision for education under Trump’s administration leans towards tearing down public schools and replacing them with private and charter schools. On September 13, 2023, Trump specifically stated that he wants each state to “run the education of our children” and eliminate the Department of Education. These schools would be publicly funded but privately run. This plan is part of his ‘Agenda 47.’ If this shift were to happen, future public-school students might face reduced support, larger class sizes, and fewer resources. The long-term consequences would be horrible, especially for young people who cannot afford private schools or won’t have access to charter schools. With a lack of public schools, an educational gap and limited opportunities for students in poor areas is sure to happen. The Department of Education is also responsible for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which many college students depend on to earn their degrees. It’s ironic how young voters, particularly those struggling with student loans, would choose to support Trump based on short-term issues like gas prices while Trump is planning to setback the entire educational system they depend on.
Regarding the economy, there’s a common misconception among young people that Biden is responsible for the increased inflation and that Trump is the only answer to making everything affordable again. This completely ignores the context of Biden’s election during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, demand for goods rose as lockdowns ended, but supply chains were disrupted, leading to inflation. It wasn’t just the United States under Biden that experienced this; inflation was a global issue that affected other countries as well. Young people are blaming Biden, while Trump is actively proposing economic policies to raise tariffs on international goods. By increasing tariffs, Trump’s plan would make imported goods more expensive, which would likely force U.S. companies to raise their prices as well. Even if you are not directly buying things from other countries, the companies they purchase from rely on global supply chains. As the cost of these goods rises, so will the prices consumers pay for everyday items. For young people, who are working with tight budgets, this will make things harder to afford.
It’s too late to reverse the election now. For that reason, staying ahead of the changes that are happening, engaging in every election, speaking out on issues, and holding politicians accountable are all necessary. Whether it’s our right to an education, a fair economy, protections for our environment, or bodily autonomy, we can’t just ignore them and leave it up to the hands of an older generation that won’t be alive to witness or suffer its negative effects.
So, here is a guide on becoming a (pre)registered voter:
Vote.govhttps://vote.gov › guide-to-votingPreparing to vote: age 18 and under
