A recent poll conducted by Harvard University's Institute of Politics has revealed a significant shift in support among America's youngest voters for Vice President Harris in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. According to the poll, Harris currently holds a commanding 31-point lead over former President Trump among likely voters aged 18-29.
This surge in support for Harris marks a stark contrast from earlier surveys, which showed President Biden leading Trump by a narrower margin among young voters. The findings have raised concerns among Democrats, as the youth demographic has traditionally been a crucial part of the party's base.
Following Biden's decision not to seek re-election, Harris stepped into the spotlight as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 election. The poll results indicate that Harris has strengthened the Democratic position among young voters, outperforming Trump on key issues and personal qualities.
Among likely voters aged 18-29, Harris currently enjoys the support of 61%, while Trump trails at 30%. Other candidates, including Jill Stein, Chase Oliver, and Cornel West, each garnered 1% support, with 6% of respondents undecided or refusing to answer.
The poll attributes Harris' lead to several factors, including a significant enthusiasm gap between young Democrats and Republicans, as well as a notable increase in Harris' approval rating as vice president. Additionally, Harris outperforms Trump on various issues and personal qualities, as highlighted in the survey.
Social media also plays a role in boosting Harris' support, with over half of young voters reporting encountering positive memes about Harris online. In contrast, memes about Trump have had a more negative impact on young voters' perceptions.
The survey further reveals a widening gender gap in support for Harris, with female voters showing stronger support compared to male voters. Harris leads by 53%-36% among likely male voters aged 18-29, while her lead expands to 70%-23% among likely female voters.
Overall, the poll underscores the growing enthusiasm among Gen Z and young millennials, signaling a potentially decisive role for the youth vote in the upcoming election. The survey, conducted nationwide with 2,002 respondents aged 18-29, has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.65 percentage points.
