The crucial role of Gen Z in 2024: Olivia Williams talks voting and future impacts

What matters most to Gen Z voters this election season? We sat down with Olivia Williams, a Virginia college student, who gave insights as a first-time voter.

As we near Election Day on Nov. 5, one voice is resonating louder than ever: That of Gen Z. And Olivia Williams, who will cast a presidential ballot for the first time, is speaking up. 

As Kamala Harris energizes young voters with promises of progress and change, Williams’ opinions show why this election is not just pivotal—it’s transformative.

The Virginia college student noted highpoints of having a “fresher, younger perspective” leading the White House, stating: “[It’s] very important because that is setting up the government that we’ll live in.”

It isn’t a one-way street: Just as Gen Z is showing its support for Harris with their lime green brat summer swarms, the Democratic presidential nominee is also interested in the new voters. It’s not a new fascination, either—in Harris’ remarks at a campaign reception in Boston in November, she said, “I love Gen Z. I love them.”

In the same speech, she continued: “So, when I’m then talking with and listening to these young people in the college tour, I am talking with people who, for all of these issues—be it the need for smart gun safety laws, the need to reinstate the protections of Roe, the need to take seriously the climate crisis and do something about it with a sense of urgency. These young leaders—it is a lived experience for them, and they are not going to be patient about us getting something done. And I love that about them. They are not going to wait around for other people to figure it out, because it has been a part of their life and it has hit their front door.”

When Williams thought ahead to her college graduation, she noted that the president who would be in office at the time could affect her future. Harris recently noted several issues at stake in the upcoming election during a Michigan rally. From reproductive rights to gun violence prevention, she said to the attendees, “We’re not going back.”

While national issues often take the spotlight, the Harris campaign also shines a light on situations that affect folks on a personal level—including their pocketbooks.

Williams shared concerns about inflation, noting, “The price of living has increased so much over the past few years—and that will impact me financially in the future, and now as a college student.” 

On the cost of living issue, Harris recently vowed to take on price gouging and high food prices on “Day One” of her presidency, if elected. 

With so much on the line this year, Williams urged her peers to head to the polls.

“Your vote matters; even if it’s one vote out of however many votes, it definitely does matter to vote,” Williams said.