Young Voters’ Pessimism Towards Politicians and the Future of America: Exclusive Polling Data from Blueprint
Young voters overwhelmingly believe that almost all politicians are corrupt and that the country is on a downward spiral, according to new polling data obtained exclusively by Semafor.
The poll, conducted by Democratic firm Blueprint, surveyed 943 18-30-year-old registered voters and found that a staggering 65% agreed that “nearly all politicians are corrupt, and make money from their political power.” This sentiment reflects a deep distrust in the political system among young voters, with 49% believing that elections in the country don’t represent people like them and 51% feeling that the political system in the US “doesn’t work for people like me.”
Evan Roth Smith, Blueprint’s lead pollster, expressed shock at the scale of these numbers, stating, “Young voters do not look at our politics and see any good guys. They see a dying empire led by bad people.”
The data also revealed that 54% of young voters believe that America is in decline, with 77% saying that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the country for the worse. Additionally, 45% of respondents feel less connected to friends and acquaintances compared to five years ago.
This pessimistic outlook poses a challenge for President Joe Biden, who is struggling to win over Gen Z and younger Millennials in polls compared to 2020. Smith emphasized the importance of acknowledging the concerns of young voters and taking action to address issues like the economy and inflation.
As the 2022 midterm elections approach, it will be crucial for politicians to engage with young voters and demonstrate that they are committed to improving their lives and addressing their concerns. Failure to do so could have significant consequences for the future of American politics.