Younger voters in America are becoming increasingly divided between Vice President Harris and former President Trump as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Recent polls indicate a significant shift in support among voters aged 18-29, with Harris leading Trump by a substantial margin. This surge in support for Harris marks a dramatic change from earlier surveys that showed President Biden with a smaller lead over Trump among young voters.
The Harvard University Institute of Politics (IOP) released a poll this week revealing that Harris is favored by 61% of likely voters aged 18-29, while Trump trails behind at 30%. This significant lead for Harris is a promising sign for Democrats, as younger voters have historically been a crucial part of the party’s base. In contrast, Trump’s favorability among younger voters has decreased, with his approval rating standing at 30 points below water.
The poll also highlights a widening gender gap in support for Harris, with women showing stronger support for the vice president compared to men. Among likely male voters aged 18-29, Harris leads Trump by a margin of 53%-36%, while her lead among likely female voters surges to 70%-23%. This gender disparity in support for Harris could play a decisive role in the 2024 election, according to polling director John Della Volpe.
One of the factors driving Harris’ lead over Trump among younger voters is social media influence. The poll reveals that over half of young voters have encountered memes about Harris online in the past month, with 34% reporting a positive impact on their opinion of her. In contrast, 56% of young voters have seen memes about Trump, with 26% stating that it negatively influenced their perception of him. This suggests that Harris’ strong online presence is helping to boost her popularity among younger voters.
Additionally, Harris outperforms Trump on key issues and personal qualities in the eyes of young voters, according to the survey. This favorable comparison to Trump on important metrics could be contributing to Harris’ lead among younger voters. Furthermore, Harris has seen a significant increase in her approval rating as vice president, rising from 32% in the spring to 44% currently. This positive trend in Harris’ approval rating indicates growing support for her candidacy among young voters.
Overall, the poll results suggest that Harris is gaining momentum among America’s youngest voters as the 2024 election approaches. Her lead over Trump among voters aged 18-29 is substantial, indicating a shift in support that could have significant implications for the outcome of the election. As the campaign heads into the final stretch, Harris appears to be strengthening the Democratic position among young voters and solidifying her lead over Trump.