CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Millions of Gen Z-ers could end up shaping this presidential election, particularly in swing states like North Carolina.
Data from the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement shows over 40 million members of Gen Z, ages 18-27, are eligible to vote. Nearly 8.3 million of them are newly eligible since the 2022 midterm election.
But history shows the youngest ages, 18-19, don't show up to the polls at high rates.
In 2022, CIRCLE reports just 18% of that age range voted in the midterms. This was only 6% higher than voters ages 20-29.
But as election day gets closer and the polls remain close, these young voters could be the deciding factor in tight races.
N.C. colleges and universities are taking steps to ensure more young people are educated and informed about the voting process.
In partnership with WFAE, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement at Queens University of Charlotte hosted Beauty and Barbershop: A Conversation About the 2024 Elections.
The nonpartisan event aimed to engage young people, specifically those of color, in discussions about the election.
Local businesses like barbers and estheticians provided free services to students, creating a safe and open environment to talk about the elections.
The director of initiatives for academic excellence and engagement at Queens University, LaDarius Thompson, says the event was in response to the needs of the students.
"We got a lot of feedback from our first-year students that they were not sure where to get their information, not sure where to ask questions," Thompson said. "So we wanted to create a space, particularly for our BIPOC community, to come in and ask those questions and share their thoughts."
"That's where the concept of this beauty and barbershop came from, a space that is unique to the BIPOC community to come and gather and build community among themselves," he said, referring to an acronym for Black, Indigenous and people of color.
Student Jazzie Lee is a civic and community engagement fellow at Queens University.
A Gen Z-er herself, Lee is ensuring young people know the power of their vote.
"Through hosting events, to encouraging voter registration, helping a lot of students that are possibly first-time voters get informed and know what's going on in this 2024 election," Lee said. "Young voters may not feel as though their voice is seen in this election. Gen Z is here and we have a voice and our voice is powerful."
Less than an hour's drive away, students at Davidson College are working to ensure Gen Z is able to vote.
Senior Sophia Ludt is president of the Center for Political Engagement at Davidson College.
Her team helped dozens of students get registered ahead of the elections.
Ludt says she's dedicated to this cause and making sure her classmates are ready to cast a ballot.
"We want to have a say in what happens in our government," Ludt said. "It's really important for young people to be aware of what's going on and hopefully be inspired to go out and vote your values and let your local politicians know what you want."
Lyric Bailey, 20, a junior at Davidson College, just registered to vote at the campus.
"I think it relieves a lot of anxiety and stress we have as students around all these pressing issues, like we can't do anything," Bailey said. "The school just brought an oppotunity straight to us to get involved and make a change, and that's very liberating."
"I think my generation is going to be the change that affects generations to come," she said. "We're going to be the change."
Early voting is underway now in North Carolina through Nov. 2.
Election Day is Nov. 5.