The Presidential election is near, and Millennials are voicing their concerns on various issues and how this election will affect them. From education to economics, the millennial population is sounding off on what this election will mean for them.
In the 2008 and 2016 presidential race, Millennials dominated the polls in record numbers. According to a 2018 study, fifty percent of eligible Millennials voted during former President Barack Obama’s first election term. Fifty-one percent of Millennials voted in the most recent 2016 election.
Surpassing Baby Boomers as the largest generational population, Millennials are a critical demographic for candidates. In a country plagued by a pandemic, concerns of voter turnout are at the forefront. Candidates are looking to appeal to Millennials; however, the millennial population is expressing concerns over various topics. Where will this election leave the Millennial demographic?
Tyrell Slappey, an English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher for the Detroit Public Schools Community District, believes education needs a makeover. For the public-school systems, a disparity in access to technology and pay for teachers is at the top.
“For public schools, I think there should be more investments into technology for schools. COVID showed us how much of a digital gap there is between different school districts across the nation and how necessary it is,” Slappey explains. “I think teachers will also begin to get paid more as well.”
In addition to the public-school systems, Slappey believes more attention should be paid on a collegiate level.
“I think we will start to see the transformation of colleges and universities being big business to seeing college education being free if you have the right GPA,” Slappey explains.
While education serving as a hot button issue, the economy at large is another concern for Millennials. As more Millennials look to become entrepreneurs, they are beginning to see the effects of their businesses’ election.
Melody Temple, the creator of The Fresher Brand located in Royal Oak, believes there could be some effect on the economy after this election, but wants to remain optimistic.
“I think there may be a slight dip in the economy after the election but like a good pillow, we will bounce back, especially under the right leadership,” Temple shares. “I’m always one to think positively, so I’m going to declare we will be great no matter what.”
COVID-19 has been a driving force in affecting the economy. High unemployment rates and rises in evictions, and higher prices of goods have helped create a current financial crisis.
“I’ve witnessed quality decrease with prices steadily increasing. Prices all across the board are inching up with a decrease in quality and I hate to see it,” Temple says.
Despite the economy, many Millennials are looking to invest in their dream home. According to Realtor.com, the election could place strains on wages, interest rates, and employment rates. All of which could have a lasting effect on the housing market.
Andrea Cook, a Real Estate Agent, believes the Millennial population will have to face many tough decisions in the housing market, business, and race.
“I believe the upcoming presidential election will impact the millennial population in various ways. It will be the deciding factor whether to open that small business we have always dreamed of because we have the loans and funding available to us or continue working for someone else because we can’t finance it alone,” Cook explains.
For Millennials looking to become homeowners, Cook believes the country’s shift in power will do more to affect the housing market than the current economic state.
“The housing market will be impacted by the election due to uncertainty. Historically, less consumers are willing to move during an election year due to uncertainty of what is to come,” Cook explains. “Overall, the economy will be impacted, whether positive or negative, depending on the candidate that wins and what policies they implement.”
Racial bias in the housing market is an additional concern for realtors.
“Racial equity is important because this will help to bridge the gap in the number of minorities currently renting to an increase in minority homeowners,” Cook says.
As the Millennial population continues to become more engaged in the stakes of this upcoming election, they are is also becoming more curious about what can be done to effect change in their backyards. In addition to becoming involved in national politics, Millennials are also taking a stand in local politics. Steele P. Hughes, a Restorative Practitioner, also ran for State Representative of the 10th District.
“This election is huge. We are at a crossroads with a variety of issues that will impact us for generations,” Hughes says. “Those issues range from climate change to the systematic racial divide that is currently exploding in our country.”
With police brutality and racial discrimination making headlines, Millennials are looking to elect a President who will help make crimes against race punishable by law.
“I’d like to see our President seek justice and true change against police brutality,” Temple shares. “I’d like to see America be great for once.”
“It will be the deciding factor in if corrupt and racist people are able to get away with killing people due to the color of their skin or if they know there will be real justice for their actions,” Cook shares.
As Millennials set to cast their votes on November 3rd, this election’s effects may not be felt immediately but could have a ripple effect.
“I do not believe it will affect our generation directly, but the next four years will definitely lay the foundation for societal norms for years to come,” Hughes explains.
Along with the presidential election, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate are up for grabs. While these seats will control what decisions are made nationally, local politics could have a more significant effect on Millennials.
“I truly believe that all politics start locally. If we want to see real change in our inner cities, we need to take our local elections just as serious, if not more seriously, than we are taking the Presidential election.” Hughes urges.
No matter the outcome, Millennials are looking to set the blueprint for their generation and future generations.
“Millennials are at a crucial stage in their lives we all want things to change for the better for the next generation,” Slappey says.
Currently, there are no restrictions on voting in person during the 2020 Presidential election. However, to request an absentee ballot or register to vote, visit the Secretary of State site or local city clerk’s office according to your polling location.
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