In a lively restaurant in northwest Atlanta, approximately a dozen young Republicans gathered over pitchers, chips, and salsa, engaging in conversation and laughter as they completed postcards. Winslow Jones, president of Atlanta Young Republicans, led the group in an event they named “Margaritas and Mailers,” where participants handwrote postcards seeking support for two GOP candidates in nearby districts. Jones emphasized the social benefits of the gathering, noting that it created a space for like-minded individuals to connect.
With the upcoming election drawing near, Georgia’s 16 electoral votes have garnered significant attention, with a notable focus on millennial and Gen Z voters. Census Bureau population projections indicate that voters under 44 will constitute nearly half of the eligible voting population in the U.S. this fall. NPR visited Atlanta to observe how young organizers from various groups are navigating this pivotal moment.
During the Young Republican meet-up, Jones highlighted the intellectual diversity within the group, particularly concerning former President Donald Trump. Jones acknowledged mixed feelings about Trump among members but stressed a shared focus on broader issues such as the economy, the U.S.-Mexico border, and crime. Jacquelyn Harn, chairwoman of Young Republicans of Georgia, expressed support for Trump’s 2024 run, citing a desire for a return to the conservative policies of his previous administration.
Harn also discussed the economic challenges faced by young people, including the high cost of housing and inflation, expressing skepticism about promises from Kamala Harris to address these issues. Political science professor Kerwin Swint of Kennesaw State University noted that young conservatives are becoming increasingly rare, with the youth vote typically leaning towards Democratic presidential candidates since the Obama years.
In contrast, young Democrats in Georgia have intensified their efforts since Harris took over the presidential ticket from Biden two months ago. Davante Jennings, president of Young Democrats of Georgia, observed a surge in activity and support. At a joint text-banking event for the Harris-Walz campaign, organizers sent approximately 64,000 texts targeting men of color, emphasizing the critical importance of the Black vote for the Democratic Party’s success.
Jennings pointed out that while the Harris-Walz campaign has embraced online engagement, including viral moments and social media campaigns, the true challenge lies in converting that support into actual votes. Emory University political science professor Bernard Fraga echoed this sentiment, stating that the campaign’s ability to maintain momentum and mobilize younger voters would be crucial.
Outside the partisan campaigns, nonpartisan groups like Rise are also working to engage young voters. Rise, a nonprofit focusing on Gen Z students, recruits ambassadors who are paid for securing voting pledges. During a presentation at several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Atlanta, Rise’s Georgia director, Aunna Dennis, emphasized the importance of highlighting relevant issues such as gun violence to resonate with students.
Similarly, nonprofit Poder Latinx actively registered new voters at Kennesaw State University, achieving over 1,100 registrations since March. Despite the increased activity, some young voters, such as 19-year-old Iambianze Jackson, expressed a lack of enthusiasm for Harris and a desire for the election to conclude swiftly.
As election day approaches, both partisan and nonpartisan efforts continue to play vital roles in mobilizing Georgia’s young voters to participate in the democratic process.
