Philadelphia Hosts Community Conversation for Gen-Z Voters Ahead of Critical 2022 Midterm Elections

Strategic Insights -

The Mayor's Office of Youth Engagement and the Millennial Advisory Committee are hosting a community conversation, GroupChat 2022: Midterm Edition, to engage Gen-Z voters ahead of the critical 2022 midterm elections and Pennsylvania's October 24 voter registration deadline. The event will provide a space for young people to register to vote, obtain resources from partners, and discuss the importance of their voices and votes in shaping the city's future.

Key Takeaways:

  • The event is a collaborative effort between the Mayor's Office of Youth Engagement, the Millennial Advisory Committee, the Philadelphia Youth Commission, Temple University, the Philadelphia 76ers, and numerous Temple University student organizations.
  • The GroupChat 2022: Midterm Edition aims to engage Gen-Z voters, particularly in the city of Philadelphia, in the 2022 midterm elections.
  • The event will feature a panel discussion on the importance of Gen-Z voices, voting, and youth civic participation, as well as a voter registration drive.
  • Partners will chronicle the experiences of first-time registrants and young Philadelphians as they engage their peers and become more civically engaged individuals using the hashtag #PHLYouthVote.
  • The Mayor's Office of Youth Engagement's First Vote initiative will be a key partner in the event, having successfully engaged young residents around the 2020 Presidential Election.
  • The Millennial Advisory Committee, Philadelphia Youth Commission, and Temple University School of Social Work will provide resources and support for the event.

Statistics:

  • The Mayor's Office of Youth Engagement was created in 2017 to amplify the voices of young people in Philadelphia.
  • The Philadelphia Youth Commission is made up of 21 Commissioners ages 12-23.
  • The Temple University School of Social Work has a long history of commitment to societal transformation and eliminating social injustices through education, research, and public service.
  • 5% of votes cast in the 2020 Presidential Election were from individuals aged 18-29 (Source: Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement).
  • 71% of Gen-Z voters prefer in-person voting (Source: Pew Research Center).

Sources:

  • Mayor's Office of Youth Engagement
  • Millennial Advisory Committee
  • Philadelphia Youth Commission
  • Temple University School of Social Work
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Black Student Union at Temple University
  • Pew Research Center
  • Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement