VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Why Cost of Living Is Driving Young Syracuse Voters to the Polls
Inside his Syracuse apartment, Ellis Clay is making sure his ballot is carefully filled out and counted, unlike many in his age group. Historically, voters under 25 face the steepest drop-off at the ballot box with less than 30% turning out, according to Pew Research. Clay says he can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines.
“They’re the next generation of our future politicians or people who are working on the Hill writing these policies. And I think the more active they are on these issues at their young ages of college or postgrad, the better our political system will be served.”
While politicians debate party platforms, Ethan Winters is focused on his daily expenses. From groceries to everyday chores, he says candidates need to focus on kitchen table realities and the cost hitting his wallet every single day.
“I would like to see the cost of basic necessities go down like rent, groceries, gas prices. I think those things affect everyone across the county.”
Early voting stations are open and waiting for ballots. But Winters says it comes down to who directly addresses his budget.
“Everything that we do in our life, politics, it all affects that. And by not casting a vote, you’re saying I don’t really care.”
Campaigns have just days left until polls close on Tuesday to send their message to voters in Syracuse, I’m Owen Parker, NCC News.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — With early voting underway across Onondaga County, campaigns are working overtime to energize a historically unpredictable voting age: voters under 25.
Turnout among young adults in midterm cycles has frequently lagged behind older generations, with fewer than 30% casting ballots nationwide, according to data compiled from the Pew Research Center.
In his Syracuse apartment, Ellis Clay made sure his absentee ballot was submitted well ahead of Election Day to guarentee his voice was counted.
“They’re our next generation of politicians or people working on the Hill writing these policies,” Clay said. “The more active you are with these issues at the young age of college or post-grad, the better our political system will be served.”
For other young residents, motivation at the ballot box is fueled directly by everyday affordability.
“I would like to see the cost of basic necessities go down like rent, groceries, gas prices. I think those things affect everyone,” said Syracuse resident Ethan Winters.
Winters noted that rising household expenses have turned election debates into immediate decisions for local students balancing tight budgets.