The struggle for young Black voters to understand what is on the ballot and how to vote has never been more apparent. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, this generation finds itself caught between immense political potential and a wave of disillusionment. The issues they care most about—economic inequality, climate change, and the future of democracy—remain at the forefront of political debates. Yet, new studies reveal a fatalistic attitude among young voters, particularly within the Black community, about their ability to influence change. But one woman, Detroit’s own Arabia Simeon, offers a solution to this growing issue, and her work is transforming the voting landscape, especially for the younger generation.
The need for informed voters has never been more critical. According to research by the Berkeley Institute for Young Americans (BIFYA), young voters had a broad and decisive impact on the 2020 presidential election and the 2018 and 2022 congressional elections. But as we approach 2024, concerns over low voter turnout among young people loom large. The institute’s analysis shows that younger voters are often discouraged by the complexity of the voting process. Many lack the knowledge needed to fully understand who is on the ballot and what issues are at stake. This disconnect threatens to undermine their role as a rising force in American politics.
Arabia Simeon, a young Black woman and founder of POGO (Politics on the Go), is directly addressing this problem. She has recognized the barriers that prevent young voters, particularly within the Black community, from feeling fully engaged in the political process. Her solution is simple but powerful: make voting easier and more accessible by providing clear, concise information directly to the voters. “We provide an all-in-one hub to store and track voting decisions for every election,” Simeon shared. “We’re working to make campaigns, messaging, polls, and strategies to reach young voters aligned and connected to the next generation of politics.”
Arabia Simeon, Founder of Politics on the Go (POGO).
POGO, Simeon’s civic tech company, is a personalized mobile app designed to simplify civic engagement. Its mission is to empower young voters by giving them the tools they need to make informed decisions. The app functions like a personalized voter guide, allowing users to swipe right on candidates and build their own ballot directly within the app. By streamlining election research and providing easy-to-understand information, POGO is helping young people feel more confident and prepared when they head to the polls.
“Our vision is to build a culture around voting and civic engagement for young people that extends beyond presidential elections,” said Simeon. “We believe that local elections have the most impact on a person’s daily life. Local elections affects what we pay in taxes, how much funding our schools get, resources for our neighborhoods, etc. Voting gives people a voice and the ability to choose a candidate that will represent their interests.”
The need for such a tool is especially important in cities like Detroit, where voter turnout can significantly shape both local and national elections. Young Black voters in Detroit are a critical demographic, but many are unsure of how to navigate the complex world of politics. They care deeply about issues like racial justice, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability, but they often feel disconnected from the political process. Simeon recognized this frustration and has built POGO to be the bridge between voter confusion and voter empowerment.
Studies from UC Berkeley offer a deeply detailed look at the social values and political behaviors of voters aged 18 to 43. These studies show that younger voters are far from apathetic. They are passionate about the issues that affect their futures, but they often lack the resources to fully understand how their vote can make a difference. This is where Arabia’s work becomes essential. By providing a tool that makes the voting process more transparent, she is ensuring that young Black voters are not left behind.
“POGO is intentionally building in geographic locations that are majority Black and Brown,” Simeon shared. “I moved from NYC to Detroit to headquarter my startup here because we believe that POGO will empower disenfranchised voters to not only vote but make informed decisions that represent themselves and their communities. Our plan is to partner with organizations that provide resources for Black and Brown communities such as D9 fraternities and sororities, the NAACP, Rap Snacks, and Black Girls Vote to get in front of Black voters. We will also focus on immigrant communities and people re-entering society from prison to increase voter turnout and civic education.”
Detroit has long been a city where the Black vote matters, and Simeon’s efforts are reigniting that power for a new generation. Her app, POGO, is not only a solution but it is a movement. It addresses the root of the issue by meeting young voters where they are, on their smartphones, and giving them the information they need in a format they understand. The app provides a straightforward way to research candidates, compare their platforms, and ultimately, build a ballot with confidence.
POGO’s approach is refreshingly simple. By swiping right on candidates that align with their values, voters can easily organize their choices and prepare for election day. It’s an intuitive design that eliminates the need for endless scrolling through candidate websites or trying to decipher dense policy language. Arabia has made the process approachable, accessible, and effective, all with the goal of increasing voter turnout among young people, particularly young Black voters in Detroit.
The impact of Simeon’s work is already being felt. Young voters, who once felt powerless to affect change, are now using POGO to understand their role in the political system. The app is breaking down barriers to engagement and providing a clear path forward for those who want to participate in democracy but didn’t know where to start.
How do we ensure that young Black voters not only understand what’s on the ballot but also feel empowered to take part in the political process? While Arabia Simeon’s POGO app is a groundbreaking tool in bridging the gap, addressing the deeper issue requires more than just tech solutions. What about the need for robust, culturally relevant civic education in schools or accessible voter registration drives in communities that have been historically disenfranchised? Could mentorship programs, where seasoned voters guide first-time voters, be another part of the solution? It’s clear that tackling this issue demands a multi-faceted approach, combining technology, education, and community engagement to fully empower the next generation of Black voters.
“For young voters especially, our vote will determine the kind of future we will have. Gen Z and Millennials will be the largest voting block by 2036, and the overwhelming feeling is that politics doesn’t represent us,” Simeon said. “POGO encourages not just civic engagement but also policy innovation. We have to build civic engagement practices now so we reimagine a democracy that looks like us and represents the key policy issues we care about.”
As the 2024 election approaches, the importance of informed voting cannot be overstated. The issues at stake—economic inequality, climate change, the future of democracy—are too important to ignore.
The path to getting young voters to the polls requires more than surface-level efforts. It calls for a deep, intentional shift in how we approach voter education and engagement, particularly in communities where disenfranchisement runs deep. We must create spaces where young voters not only learn the mechanics of voting but understand the weight of their decisions. Schools need to embed civic education into everyday learning, connecting the dots between current issues and the power of the vote. Grassroots efforts must rise with urgency—door-to-door conversations, community-led workshops, and accessible resources that break down every barrier to voting. It’s about meeting young people where they are and showing them that their voice, their vote, shapes the future.
But beyond the classroom and community, we need a cultural shift—a movement that makes voting a central part of identity, pride, and power. Churches, families, and local leaders can foster environments that normalize conversations about the vote, not just during election season but all year long. Young voters must see that their vote isn’t just a contribution; it’s the key to unlocking their collective strength and shaping a democracy that reflects their needs, hopes, and values. The future of our democracy rests in the hands of this generation, and the solution lies in making sure they know it’s within their reach to change everything.
“The Black community voting means as a race we’re building political power for our communities and future generations,” Simeon said. “In order to make progress toward an equitable future we need to build our own table and that what POGO is doing.”
This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship Lab. The
Lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.
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