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Almost half of GenZ have lied about who they are voting for

Thu Oct 31 2024
MXM Exclusive

Quick Hit:

A recent survey reveals that almost half of Gen Z voters have concealed their true voting preferences, with many reportedly backing Trump but hesitant to admit it due to perceived social consequences.

Key Details:

  • The Axios Vibes survey reveals that 48% of Gen Z voters have lied about who they're voting for, primarily due to the polarized political climate.
  • Survey respondents from Gen Z are more likely than other age groups to hide their voting choices to avoid judgment from friends and family.
  • With economic issues leading voter concerns, many young voters appear drawn to Trump’s economic policies but remain reluctant to openly admit it.

Diving Deeper:

Nearly half of Gen Z voters are choosing secrecy when it comes to their political preferences, with many reportedly inclined toward supporting Donald Trump, despite concealing this from friends and family. The Axios Vibes survey by The Harris Poll highlights a startling trend: many younger Americans are increasingly feeling pressured to self-censor their political opinions or even lie about them entirely. According to the survey, 48% of voters aged 18-27, who came of age in a highly polarized Trump era, have hidden their voting preference. 

John Gerzema, CEO of The Harris Poll, commented on the new social etiquette emerging among young voters, explaining that many now find it easier to avoid political discussions altogether or to "be like Switzerland" in their interactions, remaining neutral outwardly to avoid confrontation. With 58% of all voters saying that voting is a private matter, the survey reveals that privacy in political choices is no longer just a matter of preference but a necessity for many.

An examination of the numbers shows the generational divide in lying about political preferences, with nearly half of Gen Z and 38% of Millennials admitting they’ve lied about who they’re voting for. The numbers drop significantly for older generations, indicating that younger voters face unique social pressures. As one in three Americans acknowledges distancing themselves from family over political differences, the fear of judgment and potential isolation is especially pronounced among Gen Z and Millennials.

The current political climate, deeply polarized, has led many young Americans to self-censor, especially regarding Trump’s agenda on the economy, immigration, and national security—topics that Gen Z voters see as critical but potentially controversial among peers. With economic concerns topping the priority list for voters, many silent Trump supporters may be motivated by his economic promises, seeing them as solutions in a time when inflation, wages, and economic stability dominate political discourse.

 

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