The Democratic National Committee is launching a new campaign aimed at increasing early voting among college students. This campaign, which is one of the DNC’s largest efforts ever to engage young people and student voters, will involve a budget of approximately $500,000. The goal is to encourage students to vote early and support Democratic candidates in crucial races for the White House, House, and Senate.
College students are a key demographic for Democrats, and their support is seen as essential for Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential bid for the White House. In the 2020 election, young adults played a significant role in helping President Joe Biden secure victory, with a majority of them backing him nationally.
The DNC’s campaign will target 30 college campuses across 11 states with advertisements directing students to IWillVote.com. These ads will be displayed on campus buses, kiosks, and other locations, emphasizing that “freedom is on the ballot” and that “Democrats have your back.” They will also provide students with information on what they need to vote in their respective states.
This campaign will be implemented in seven presidential battleground states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—as well as in Florida, Iowa, New York, and Ohio, where key congressional races are taking place.
While the specific campuses targeted in this campaign were not disclosed, the DNC emphasized the importance of engaging young voters and providing them with resources to participate in the election. The party believes that young voters can play a decisive role in the outcome of the election and are committed to championing policies that align with the interests of Generation Z.
According to a survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed in September, college students overwhelmingly support Kamala Harris for president. However, a small percentage of respondents indicated that they were not planning to vote, while others were undecided. In the 2020 election, a record number of college students—66%—cast their votes.
Reproductive rights, the economy, and the future of democracy were cited as key issues that could influence students’ voting decisions. The DNC’s campaign aims to highlight how Democrats will protect reproductive rights and democracy, addressing concerns that are important to young voters.
In addition to targeting college students, the DNC has launched similar campaigns aimed at engaging Native American, LGBTQ+, and Latino voters. Last month, the committee initiated a voter registration and advertising campaign at historically Black and Hispanic-serving institutions in swing states.
As early voting is already underway across the country, with millions of ballots already cast, the DNC’s campaign seeks to ensure that students participate in the electoral process. This is particularly important in light of new voting laws in 27 states that impose additional requirements for voter registration or restrict voting by mail. Experts are concerned that these restrictions could hinder turnout among students, many of whom are first-time voters.
DNC chair Jaime Harrison emphasized the importance of young voters in the upcoming elections, stating that they have the power to make a difference. The campaign aims to empower young voters, including those who are new to the electoral process, and encourage them to make their voices heard.