Most young voters support Kamala Harris − but that doesn’t guarantee they will show up at the polls

Kamala Harris takes a photo with young supporters at a rally at Temple University in Philadelphia, Penn., on Aug. 6, 2024. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images by John Holbein, University of Virginia Young people could decide the 2024 presidential election. It’s a tale as old as time – a story that pops up every election, almost like clockwork. The narrative is the same this election cycle. There is a palpable excitement about the possibility of young people making their voices heard in 2024. Young people, in particular, have broadly voiced their support for Vice President Kamala Harris, who will officially accept her party’s presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 22, 2024. Harris’ young supporters have created popular TikTok videos and widely-shared memes with coconut trees and ample allusions to the trendy term “brat.” Both former President Donald Trump and Harris are trying to build on young people’s excitement – through participating in livestreams with popular, young content creators and by copying some of the specific colors and themes that often come up in young people’s online content. The vibes suggest, perhaps, that a “youth wave” is coming. Donald Trump looks to young supporters as he holds a rally in...