By: Jenna Janssen OMAHA, Neb. — As Omaha prepares for the 2024 election, community groups and social media influencers are part of a plan to register first-time voters. Gen Z, known for its digital engagement, is a key demographic being targeted. Schools like the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) are leading the charge, utilizing both in-person events and virtual campaigns to get young people registered.
On National Voter Registration Day, viral campaigns across TikTok and Instagram helped drive 150 million new registrations nationwide to vote.gov.
Heather Nelson, founder and CEO of PollTheVote, sees social media as essential for reaching Gen Z voters. Her platform helps connect individuals with their legislators, and she emphasizes the importance of meeting young voters in their digital spaces.
“Social media is important for reaching the traditional student populist,” Nelson said. “That’s where they go for their information, that is where their circles are that they are building in their communities.”
First-time voters Grace Hornbuckle and Caitlin Kelly echoed Nelson’s sentiment, explaining why they felt it was important to register.
“What inspired me to register trying to make a difference,” Hornbuckle said. “I’m not really old enough yet to make a difference on my own, but at least this way I can try to impact my country where I can.”
Kelly added, “it is important especially as a college student to get involved in voting and being involved in what your government’s doing.”
Social media’s role in this election cycle is undeniable. TikTok challenges, Instagram stories, and hashtag-driven campaigns have been effective tools for voter registration efforts, making information easy to share and accessible to a generation that spends much of its time online. An estimated 8.3 million Gen Z voters will be eligible to vote in the 2024 election, and the impact of these new voters could be significant.
With Nebraska’s registration deadlines approaching, Oct. 25 for online or mail registrations and Nov. 1 for in-person registration the push to engage young voters is in full swing.
