Updated as of 1:50 a.m. on Aug. 22 to include video interviews of North Carolina Democratic party leaders.
Chicago, Ill. — At the Democratic National Convention, the Democratic Party is intensifying its efforts to mobilize its base and address key issues on the ballot — particularly engaging younger voters and rallying support for judicial elections and redistricting in North Carolina. As chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, 25-year-old Anderson Clayton is the youngest chair of a state political party in the U.S. Clayton said she is enthusiastic about the state's youthful political energy.
“North Carolina has the largest youth demographic here for our delegation, and it’s really exciting,” Clayton said. “We brought so many new people to the convention for the first time, folks who haven’t been involved in politics before, and it’s empowering.”
Adrian Maldonado Jr., chair of the Hispanic Caucus for the North Carolina Democratic Party.
Adrian Maldonado Jr., chair of the Hispanic Caucus for the North Carolina Democratic Party, said he thinks people should get out and vote because this November they have a chance to make their voices heard.
“I think that there are a variety of different issues that can, you know, affect us and that are that people can actually vote on in this election, especially,” Maldonado said.
In response to the growing youth engagement, the North Carolina Democratic Party is launching a major initiative this September: visit 30 college campuses in 30 days to educate students about the importance of down-ballot races and to boost voter turnout among young people.
“You have a state legislature that's rolled back abortion rights, that's rolled back voting rights, that's rolled back public education spending in our state that would like to see gambling at the cost of healthcare in our state,” Clayton said. “Like they're not prioritizing the issues that young people, I think, are actually experiencing right now, and they're not monolithic issues, right?”
First Vice Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party Jonah Garson highlighted the role that young voters can play in the upcoming election, particularly in North Carolina.
“Young people will make or break the election." Garson said. "Elections are that close in North Carolina.”
Colton Browder, a 24-year-old delegate from Asheville and a member of the Democratic National Convention Rules Committee, said this election will have lasting effects on the younger generation.
“Politics are going to affect you no matter what you do. If you stay at home, politics will still affect your life,” Browder said. “The only thing that happens when you stay at home is that you don’t have a voice in it. It impacts people across our country and our futures.”
The Third Vice Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party Elijah King reinforced this message.
“When talking to young people, we have to remember that we are living the issues. We don’t have to wait to see them on TV or be told about them — we are living them,” King said. “Every movement, from the civil rights movement to LGBT issues to anti-war protests, started on a college campus.”
Elijah King, the Third Vice Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party encourages young voters to remember the power of a vote. “When talking to young people, we have to remember that we are living the issues. We don’t have to wait to see them on TV or be told about them; we are living them ... every movement, from the civil rights movement to LGBT issues to anti-war protests, started on a college campus.”
Katherine Jeanes, deputy digital director for North Carolina Democratic Party, said grassroots efforts are crucial if the party wants to see success in November.
“This year, we have people on the ground actively engaging on campus,” Jeanes said. “The coordinated campaign is focused on making sure young people are registered to vote.”
With Election Day 76 days away, the North Carolina Democrat Party’s strategy remains clear: it hopes to harness the energy of young voters, address both local and national issues and ensure that every voice is heard at the polls.
King encouraged youth to never forget the power they have.
“We need to remind ourselves that we are smart, capable and can make educated decisions,” King said. “While some issues might not affect us immediately, they have a significant impact on others. That’s the message to youth all over North Carolina.”