“Vote Your Right”: How California’s Young Voters Are Ready for November’s Special Election

Young Voters in Kern County Prepare for Upcoming Special Election

With just 75 days left until the November 4 special election, Kern County officials are scrambling to get everything in place. This includes setting up polling locations, recruiting election workers, and ensuring that all votes are counted accurately. However, this tight timeline is not the only challenge they face—there’s also a growing focus on engaging younger voters who are eager to make their voices heard.

In most years, election officials have over a year to plan and organize for an election. But with the recent decision to hold a special election focused on California’s redistricting, the process has been accelerated. This shift has created a unique opportunity for young voters to participate in shaping the future of their state.

Ivan Juarez, a freshman at Cal State Bakersfield, expressed his excitement about being able to vote in the upcoming election. He noted that it’s unfortunate for states like Texas where residents don’t have the same level of influence in the political process. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, voters between the ages of 18 and 34 make up around 21% of likely California voters. This demographic represents a significant portion of the electorate and could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the special election.

Itzel Varges, a junior at Cal State Bakersfield, is particularly excited about the opportunity to vote on redistricting. She has been involved in student government and sees the ability to vote on this issue as a “power move” for voters. “I would love to vote,” she said. “I would be voting, definitely, in agreement with the redistricting here in California.”

Jisselle Sanchez, another junior at CSUB, admitted that she was unaware of the upcoming election and the redistricting vote until she saw a post on TikTok. She noted that many of her peers receive their political news through social media platforms. “I think it’s good that TikTok is bringing it out there for a younger audience,” Sanchez said. “I didn’t know much about it, but now because of TikTok and everything, they’re telling us what would happen if this bill gets passed.”

Ashley Saenz, a psychology major at CSUB, agrees that younger generations are increasingly turning to digital platforms for news. “We’re in the era of technology so that we’re able to use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, even YouTube or news — it’s just better,” she said. According to the Pew Research Center, four out of 10 people categorized under Gen Z used TikTok as a search engine for news as of 2024. This trend highlights how social media is becoming a primary source of information for younger voters.

Despite relying on social media for news, young voters are not shying away from using their voices to make a difference. “Stay up to date, stay educated, keep learning to make sure that we’re doing better … for not only us, but for the United States as a whole,” said Saenz. She emphasized the importance of voting and urged others to take part in the election.

Juarez echoed this sentiment, calling voter apathy one of the biggest issues facing the country. “I think it’s important to go out and vote on Nov. 4,” he said. His message is clear: every voice matters, and the power to shape the future lies in the hands of those who choose to exercise their right to vote.

As the November 4 special election approaches, the engagement of young voters in Kern County is a promising sign. Their active participation and willingness to learn about the issues at hand demonstrate a growing commitment to democracy. With the right information and support, these voters can help ensure that the outcomes of the election reflect the needs and values of the entire community.