Photo by Adrienne J. Romero / SOC Images.
With the date for New Jersey’s primary elections just one day away, conversations surrounding the topic of voting have been surfacing in the Gen Z community.
In New Jersey—a state where the voter turnout has been significantly low in primary elections—young voters grapple with the decision to project their thoughts while also considering if their perspective will have an impact on the election’s results.
In the 2024 presidential election, 47% of people ages 18-29 casted a ballot, a slight drop from the previous 50% in 2020.
As debates over issues like abortion rights, gun control and other controversial policies intensify, a growing number of young voters are stepping up to take action.
Zaire Wright, a junior political science major at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, has made it a priority to remain politically educated and effectively use the resources available to him.
“Voting in every election that comes your way is key. Voting every four years for the president is not the way to go.”
Wright told Slice of Culture.
For the past four months, Wright has been the president of Drew’s Student Government Association and has been involved in the organization since his freshman year; first becoming senator and then transitioning to president pro tempore, which is a temporary or acting president.
Wright acknowledges that others his age tend to stray away from politics for a number of reasons, yet he urges them to take advantage of the seamless process.
“Voting alone is simple, just review your sample ballot prior to going to the polls and research your candidates ahead of time,” Wright said. “ Once you’re in the ballot box, it should take you no less than five minutes. Go out and vote, it won’t hurt. You just have to sacrifice some time.”
However, not everyone has been able to make that commitment or been willing to.
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Gen Z Feels Disconnected
For Bryan Wierdak, a 21-year-old Rutgers University Alum, voting has felt like a distant process—one that he struggles to connect with.
“I feel like the system is already set in its ways, and one vote does not really change much unless there is massive turnout,” Wierdak said.
And Wierdak is not alone in his stance. According to a 2024 post-election survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse, 57% of college students reported feeling like their vote makes little to no difference.
Along with this, data from NJ.gov displays that only 15% percent of eligible voters participated in the June 2024 presidential primary, despite over 6 million New Jersey residents being able to do so. This statistic displays not only disinterest, but also an overall sense of separation from politics, particularly within the younger generation.
When asked if he was aware of the upcoming primary elections, Wierdak answered no, adding that electoral events can oftentimes be overwhelming.
“Sometimes it feels like there is too much information and not enough clear guidance on what is actually on the ballot or what the candidates stand for,” Wierdak said.
Information overload can also play a role in low voter turnout, especially for those who may not be familiar with politics at all.
To combat this issue, Wright suggested that voters “utilize individual campaign websites and social media.”
With this advice, citizens can gain a better understanding of those that are running and also their core values.
Although it is important to have comprehension of who the candidates are, acknowledging that your voice holds significance at the polls is what drives true engagement. There’s even a national non-partisan initiative, Your Voice Matters, that shares tools and tactics.
Why Young Voters Matter
In her speech at Duke University, American author and journalist Kyle Spencer, addressed the innate power that the younger generation possesses, but typically does not take advantage of.
Spencer expressed that the Gen Z vote possibly mattered “more than any other generation in history,” taking into account their diverse perspectives.
Looking back at major progressive moments—such as the Black Lives Matter Movement and protests following the overturning of Roe v. Wade—it is clear that Gen Z has consistently been at the forefront of activism and fighting for what they believe in.
Studies from League of Women Voters supports this as 70% of Gen Z are reported to participate in at least one social or political issue. Voluntarily suppressing your voice as a young voter prevents communities from seeing a different point of view that they might also resonate with.
How Can I Cast My Vote?
As Wright mentioned, voting does not have to be a difficult process and can be done within a few minutes.
Researching candidates can be a tedious task, but helpful when making the final decision.
Campaign signs for several candidates have appeared across New Jersey, with recognized names like:
- Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop
- Representative Mikie Sherrill
- Former Senate President Steve Sweeney
All of them are running for the Democratic nomination for governor and will be replacing current Gov. Phil Murphy who is wrapping up his second and final term. These names are just a small part of a larger race—one that all voters, especially Gen Z, still have time to take part in.
Although the deadline for early voting has passed, Hudson County Election Resources has provided a few different ways for New Jersey voters to participate:
- Secure Ballot Drop Box: Place your ballot in one of the county’s secure ballot drop boxes on or before Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 8 p.m. Click here for a list of locations.
- Mail: Vote by Mail Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and be received by the Hudson County Board of Elections within six days after the Election.
- Board of Elections Office: Voters may return their Vote by Mail Ballot in person to the Hudson County Board of Elections office located at 257 Cornelison Avenue – 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07302 by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. A secure ballot drop box is located outside of the building.
Whether you vote by mail or in person, it is important to remember that your voice matters and makes a difference.
A 2025 Hudson County Election Calendar can be found here: https://www.hudsoncountyclerk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-Hudson-County-Clerk-Election-Calendar.pdf.
The winners in the primary elections will represent their respective party in the November general election; so there will be one candidate for Democrats and Republicans.
Early voting turnout in the primary election seems to be in a better position this time around, with many hoping it continues to trend upwards.
