Is Voting Still Worth it to Young Black People?

By Houston Defender | Word In Black This post was originally published on Defender Network (WIB) – Voting is not just a civic duty but a crucial tool for shaping the future. Yet, polling data suggests a troubling trend among young Black voters: a growing disillusionment with the electoral process and a reluctance to participate in it. According to a new poll conducted by In& Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda& in collaboration with PerryUndem, less than 40% of young Black voters between the ages of 18 and 29 are motivated to vote in the upcoming November elections. This stark contrast to the 59% of all respondents who expressed certainty about voting is a cause for concern. The poll highlights a gender divide as well, with 63% of Black men and 56% of Black women expressing certainty about voting. However, despite the historical significance of Black voters, particularly Black women, in shaping electoral outcomes, a significant portion of young Black voters appear disengaged from the political process. One of the factors contributing to this disillusionment is the unfavorable view held by many young Black voters toward President Biden and Vice President Harris. According to the poll, 48%...