Youth in US to vote in higher numbers: Poll

Young Americans adults are expected to vote in large numbers in the 2020 US Presidential elections and Democratic nominee Joe Bidens favourability has increased considerably in the last few months according to a poll conducted by the Harvard Universitys Institute of PoliticsThe nationwide poll which surveyed the age group of 18 to 29 years found historic interest in the upcoming election with a higher proportion of respondents indicating they will definitely be voting than has been observed in the twenty years the poll has been conducted suggesting higher turnout than has been observed in this age group in several decadesYouth enthusiasm to vote and likelihood of turning out on track will hit record levels in 2020 with 63 per cent of respondents indicating they will definitely be voting a contrast to 47 per cent during the 2016 electionsThe 2008 election saw the highest youth turnout since 1984 with 484 per cent of the 18to29yearolds voting according to the United States Elections Project a reputed Census platform on poll turnout The turnout of young voters this year seems closer to 2008 compared to 2016 the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School poll data indicatedThe survey found that Biden holds a 24point lead in the youth voter category over incumbent President Donald Trump Bidens favourability among young voters has increased by 13 percentage points since April this yearThe youth poll said 63 per cent of Biden supporters expect the Democratic challenger to win with six per cent anticipating a Trump win and 30 per cent not sure In contrast about 74 per cent of Trump supporters expect Trump to win with only 6 per cent anticipating a Biden victoryden is viewed favourably by 47 per cent of all young adults compared to 41 per cent who view him negatively Bidens favourability is slightly higher among likely voters 56 per cent although the percentage who view him unfavourably remains unchanged 41 per centYoung Americans recognise that the issues that impact their daytoday lives are on the ballot from healthcare and mental health to racial and social justice The unprecedented interest in this election and the significant increase in early and mailin ballots portend historic turnout Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School Director Mark Gearan saidAs this generation becomes the largest voting bloc in the electorate their notable civic participation is a very good sign for the future he said Chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project Justin Tseng said young Americans have grown up with the fear of school shootings and many other negative forcesTheyve witnessed the destructive forces of unchecked climate change theyve participated in demonstrations against racial and economic injustice and theyre hungry for calm surehanded leadership he saidAlthough Republicans and Democrats are divided on the role the government should play in addressing healthcare issues young Americans have a strong preference for more increased policy actions to address healthcare issues 72 per cent and to improve access to mental health services 75 per centThese preferences cross party lines with 85 per cent of Democrats 70 per cent of unaffiliated persons and slightly more than half 55 per cent of Republicans preferring stronger government policies to address healthcareThe poll found that there is also a broad consensus among young Americans that the government should do more to improve race relations and reduce systemic racism Seventyone per cent of all young Americans including 50 per cent of young Americans who identify as Republicans support increased government action to improve race relationsKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest newsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever