46th Edition - Fall 2023

A national poll released today by the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School indicates that among 18-to-29-year-olds, President Biden's approval rating stands at 35%. Still, the President maintains a solid lead in a head-to-head matchup against former President Trump. When the field expands, potential independent candidates Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Joe Manchin, and Cornel West take more support from potential Biden voters than Trump voters.The poll also finds:Young Americans appear less likely to vote in 2024 than they did in 2020, which was a record-setting year for youth turnout;A disconnect between young Americans' personal financial situation and their views of the American economy;Widespread support for labor unions;Access to reproductive health care, including abortion, is an essential factor for most young Americans in choosing where to live; and Most young people do not feel their high school experience adequately prepared them to vote.Since 2000, the Harvard Public Opinion Project has provided the most comprehensive look at young Americans' political opinions and voting trends. The Fall 2023 Harvard Youth Poll surveyed 2,098 young Americans between 18- and 29-years-old and was conducted between October 23 and November 6, 2023.  "From a lack of trust in leaders on a variety of critical issues such as climate change, gun violence, and the war in the Middle East, to worries about the economy and AI, young people's concerns come through loud and clear in our new poll," said IOP Director Setti Warren. "As the 2024 campaign season kicks into high gear, candidates up and down the ballot would be wise to embrace the opportunity to listen to — and re-engage — this generation.""The bad news is that fewer young people intend to vote in this election compared to the Biden-Trump election of 2020. The good news is there's still time, and we know what Gen Z and young millennials want to see and hear. They want evidence that democracy works, that government can address our challenges, and that there's a meaningful difference between the two parties," said IOP Polling Director John Della Volpe."One year out from the 2024 election, our poll makes it clear that the youth vote cannot be taken for granted," said Ethan Jasny '25, student chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project. "Young Americans are deeply passionate about issues ranging from abortion to labor rights, but they often struggle to see that passion represented in Washington. For turnout in 2024 to match the record numbers we saw in 2020, candidates must ensure that the values and energy of young Americans are reflected in their campaigns."The top ten findings are below.