President Biden‘s decision to withdraw from the upcoming election on Sunday has sent shockwaves through the political landscape digitally and on the ground, creating a significant shift in the presidential race’s dynamics. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” he wrote in a post on X. “While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
This unexpected move opens up the field to new candidates and ideas, sparking a watershed moment in American politics. After his announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party nominee. “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President, and it’s been the best decision I’ve made,” he said “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.”
For Gen Z, this is a pivotal opportunity to make their voices heard and influence the future direction of the country. As the youngest eligible voting cohort, Gen Z has the potential to drive substantial change through their collective power at the ballot box, a power that should not be underestimated. According to data, 40.8 million members of Gen Z (ages 18-27 in 2024) will be eligible to vote, including 8.3 million newly eligible youth (ages 18-19 in 2024) who will have aged into the electorate since the 2022 midterm election.
As this news shifts, the urgency of the Presidential election is even greater than before, and Zillennials will play a large role in impacting the polls. “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda,” Harris said in a statement.
Known for their activism and engagement with social and political issues, this generation has already demonstrated their capacity to mobilize and advocate for change. From ensuring you are registered to vote in your state to participating in grassroots movements such as the #WinWithBlackWomen, which raised over one million dollars, Gen Z’s passion and commitment have been evident in various movements and protests, from climate action to social justice. With the presidential race wide open, it is more important than ever for them to channel this energy into going to the polls.
According to a 2023 Harvard poll, the number of young Americans between 18 and 29 who “definitely” plan on voting for president has decreased from 57 percent to 49 percent. Per the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2020 turnout for Americans under 30 was 54.1 percent, with other estimates at 52.5 percent.
By participating in the electoral process, Zillennials can ensure that future leaders prioritize the issues they care about. They have witnessed the impact of technological advancements, economic shifts, and global crises. Their firsthand experiences with these challenges give them valuable insights and a strong urgency to address them. As Gen Z’ers prepare for this election, they can create a bigger impact by pushing for policies reflecting their values and concerns.
This election is a chance for them to demand the changes they want to see and hold leaders accountable, starting in schools, specifically HBCUs. “Navigating the intersectionality of being a Black woman in America is no easy task when every day, it seems as if people in our country are trying to take away our freedoms,” Howard University alumna Julianna Boye told GU in May. “HBCUs provide environments where Black students can form an identity rooted in activism, and they are crucial bastions of empowerment by merely existing.”
Read ‘Let’s Talk About It: What’s Really Going On This Election Season?’
In this critical moment, it is crucial for Gen Z to recognize their power and responsibility. The outcome of the upcoming election will have lasting implications, affecting not just the next few years but potentially shaping the nation’s trajectory for decades. By getting involved and engaged with voting, Gen Z can help steer the country toward a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. This is their moment to make a difference, and it is imperative that they seize it with both hands.“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said.
About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.