New Article: Engaging Young Voters In Off-Year Election Cycles

Posted by Forbes on May 20, 2025

New Jersey is one of five states that hold elections for statewide office in odd-numbered years, meaning New Jerseyans never have a year off from voting. Young people, especially first-time voters, need to be engaged every year. Gen Z makes up nearly one-fifth of the American electorate, and voted at historically high rates in the last two presidential elections. Nationally, youth engagement in elections is increasing; however, participation and voter turnout in New Jersey’s off-year elections is much lower — including for our youngest voters. Based on recent voting rates, it’s expected that the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race will again attract a low percentage of youth voters, even as state elections become increasingly more impactful for youth and college students.

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a public institution home to about 7,000 undergraduate students. Because more than 90% of TCNJ students are in-state, the TCNJ Votes initiative works year-round to support nonpartisan voter engagement efforts and promote civic engagement and voter education on campus. A cross-campus collaboration, we have representation from the Student Government, the Office of Leadership, and the Center for Community Engagement.

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