Will Young Voters Decide the Election?

1. Set Focus 
Pose this essential question: How does the outcome of an election affect teens?

2. Read and Discuss 
Have students read the article, marking key ideas and questions. Then ask them to answer the following questions, citing text evidence: 

• What impact did 18- to 29-year-old voters have on the election in 2020, and why was it noteworthy? (According to the article, the 2020 voter turnout rate of 18- to 29-year-olds set a new record and may have won the election for Joe Biden.)

• According to the article, what makes Gen Z a unique voting group? What issues are they especially concerned about? (Gen Z is unique because it’s the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in our nation’s history. Polls show that young voters are concerned with the cost of living, jobs, gun violence, climate change, and the war in Gaza.)

• In the section “ ‘This is Our Future,’ ” the author says some young people may not vote because “they feel that government doesn’t address their needs and concerns.” Does this attitude make sense to you? Why or why not? (Opinions will vary, but students should support their ideas with reasoning. For example, some may say it makes sense because if you’re not motivated or you don’t live in a swing state, voting may seem less appealing, while others may say this attitude doesn’t make sense because becoming a vocal voting bloc is one way people influence the government.)

3. Core Skill Practice
Assign, print, or project the activity Figuratively Speaking. Have students identify and explain each example of figurative language.

4. Writing Prompt
Which issue named in the article matters most to you? Write a brief opinion essay explaining why.

5. Classroom Debate
Should voting be mandatory?

6. Quiz & Skills
Use the quiz to assess comprehension and the Analyze the Cartoon skill sheet to practice visual analysis.