FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2022
Contact: Juan Ramiro Sarmiento
(785) 760-6567 | JuanRamiro.Sarmiento@younginvincibles.org
Midterm Election Results Show High Turnout and Close Races
High Youth Turnout Makes Young Voters Decisive in Many Key Races
(Washington, DC) – Last night, millions of Americans cast their ballots in the Midterm Elections of 2022 with high voter turnout across the country. Votes are still being counted in many states and localities, with control of the US Senate and House of Representatives in the balance.
Young voters ages 18-29 turned out in high numbers and played a decisive role in tight races across the nation, further highlighting the importance of engaging young Americans and advancing the priorities of the nation’s largest and youngest constituency.
In response, Kristin McGuire, Executive Director for Young Invincibles issued
“The high turnout in this midterm election is an indicator of voter enthusiasm, particularly among young voters. Votes are still being counted in many important races and a thorough count is a sign of a healthy democracy. Simultaneously, our right to vote is not equally respected from one state to another and highlights the necessity for national voting rights legislation to strengthen our fundamental right to vote. Too many states focus on making it harder to vote, not easier, and some engage in flagrant voter suppression.
As expected, some states will take longer than others to count our votes. In some states, election officials are prohibited from counting mail-in ballots until election night, delaying the results by days or even weeks. Legislation preventing the counting of votes prior to election day is a hallmark of a broader effort to sow confusion about the integrity of our electoral process. Our democracy is more fragile than it’s ever been, less than two years out from the attack on our Capitol and attempts to override the will of the people in the last presidential election. As we watch to see how all the candidates and newly-elected officials react to the vote totals, the refusal to accept the results of our elections and claims of fraud erodes trust in our electoral systems.
Despite the efforts of some elected officials to undermine our democracy, millions turned up and braved long lines and efforts to reject registrations in order to cast their votes. We must work to make voting easy and accessible to all. In the meantime, YI remains committed to ensuring all young people can use their voices and cast their votes.”
Young Invincibles’ mission includes elevating the voices of young people in the political process by providing voters resources and opportunities to engage firsthand. Young voters from across the country made their voices heard, including one of our Young Advocates Program participants Astrid Morales, a Young Voter from California: “It feels good to vote in this midterm election, especially since there continues to be voter suppression in the US. Those who can vote should use their voice so that we can have elected officials that will push for policies that benefit our future. An issue I’m passionate about is affordable housing, especially since my county is ranked as one of the most unaffordable in the nation. For those who are ineligible, I tell them about how they can still GOTV and take action!”
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Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please contact Juan Ramiro Sarmiento at (785) 760-6567 or juan.sarmiento@younginvincibles.org