'We know what's at stake' What's driving Gen Z to the polls
MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) -- New estimates show more than 8 million young Americans are eligible to vote for the first time this year.
It comes as young voters are being heavily targeted by both parties because they could have a major impact on the election, especially in key swing states.
Vice President Kamala Harris leads by 23 points among young voters aged 18-29, according to a new CBS poll.
However, the Gen Z generation is not always the most reliable. So, will they show up?
Enthusiasm
Many first-time voters CBS 58 spoke to believe turnout in the presidential election will be different than years past because of what's at stake.
"It's our future. Everything is coming down to us," said Nathan Lago, an 18-year-old from Sparta.
Owen Hersh, a senior at UW-Madison, said he thinks social media has helped the younger generation become more immersed in politics.
"There's numerous accounts on X and other platforms that are highly politicized," Hersh said. "I think this election is probably the most important election that we have."
Tess Everson, a student at UW-Madison who's originally from Texas, feels her vote will matter more because she's casting a ballot in a battleground state.
"I know Wisconsin is really important," Everson said. "I feel like I'm seeing a lot of people out and caring about this election and I'm excited about that."
The Issues
A series of polls by Marquette University Law School have shown which presidential candidate would better handle many issues.
Harris is seen as better on abortion policy, ensuring fair and accurate elections, health care, and on Medicare and Social Security. Former President Donald Trump would do a better job handling the economy and immigration.
These results mirrored what we asked many young voters.
Hersh and Lago both said their top issues are securing the border and the economy.
Meanwhile female students we interviewed overwhelmingly said reproductive rights are the main motivating factor behind their support for Harris.
"Realizing my rights could still be taken away from me that I thought were regular rights I was supposed to have was a big eye opener for me," said Anika Smith, a student at UW-Madison.
Celebrities, Politicians and Concerts
In Wisconsin where the last four out six presidential elections were decided by less than a percentage point, both campaigns are using methods such as deploying celebrities and politicians to college campuses to try and turn out crucial student voters.
This week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr and Tulsi Gabbard held an event in Madison on behalf of the Trump campaign. Kennedy, who dropped out of the presidential race to endorse Trump, and Gabbard, a former Democratic candidate, are on the campaign trail trying to appeal to independent voters.
On Wednesday, Harris held a concert and rally near Madison's campus and on Friday she will host a similar event in Milwaukee featuring an all-Black musical line-up. Rappers Cardi B, GloRila and Flo Milli. MC Lyte and The Isley Brothers will headline the event.