America could be headed to a contentious rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump if they become the 2024 presidential nominees. Pollsters are keeping an eye on one demographic that could sway the upcoming election: youth voters.

Voters between the ages 18-to-29 played a major role during recent elections.

Nearly 55% of voters in the age bracket participated in the 2020 U.S. presidential election while the 2022 midterm election also experienced a surge in youth voters, stopping the predicted “red wave” or significant gains in seats by Republicans in congress.

The 2023 Harvard Youth poll looked at what has driven youth voter turnout, considered Generation Z and born after 1996, to the polls and how that could shape the future of politics.

What matters to younger voters?

Climate change, gun violence and safety, economic inequality and LGTBQ+ rights were the big four issues that resonated the most with younger voters.

At least 50% of the respondents said that the government should do more to curb the threat of climate change, "even at the expense of economic growth."

Nearly half (48%) of the respondents said that they have felt unsafe and called for stricter gun laws (63%). A sizable portion (62%) believe that the government should provide necessities, like food and shelter, to those who are unable to afford them.

53% of respondents objected to the idea that same sex relationships were morally wrong.

Recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court, like the reversal of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that guaranteed a constitutional right to an abortion and President Biden’s student loan debt relief plan, have also been a major driver for younger voters.

Trust in the U.S. Supreme Court to “do the right thing” all or most of the time fell to 33%, with 28% of female respondents believing in the court.

How the shifts played out

In April, Republicans were shocked after losing a highly  contested Wisconsin state Supreme Court election. Liberal judge Janet Protasiewicz edged out conservative Dan Kelly, with one county giving her a major win thanks to its growing and mostly college-aged voters.

Politico reported on the trend of traditionally liberal college counties generating higher turnouts and greater Democratic margins, noting two in three college towns grew more Democratic in the last 20 years.

The shifts have alarmed Republican rank-and-file, already concerned about changes in suburban voters. Some younger Republicans are warning that if the party is reluctant to change or address younger voters, they could fall behind in future elections.

For more, check out our exclusive content on CGTN Now and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The China Report.