Unlocking the Power of Michigan Young Voters for Lasting Change

The struggle for young Black voters to understand what is on the ballot and how to vote has never been more apparent. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, this generation finds itself caught between immense political potential and a wave of disillusionment. The issues they care most about—economic inequality, climate change, and the future of democracy—remain at the forefront of political debates. Yet, new studies reveal a fatalistic attitude among young voters, particularly within the Black community, about their ability to influence change. But one woman, Detroit’s own Arabia Simeon, offers a solution to this growing issue, and her work is transforming the voting landscape, especially for the younger generation. The need for informed voters has never been more critical. According to research by the Berkeley Institute for Young Americans (BIFYA), young voters had a broad and decisive impact on the 2020 presidential election and the 2018 and 2022 congressional elections. But as we approach 2024, concerns over low voter turnout among young people loom large. The institute’s analysis shows that younger voters are often discouraged by the complexity of the voting process. Many lack the knowledge needed to fully understand who is on the ballot and what issues are...