East Village Residents Shrug Off Election Results, But Gen Z is Fed Up

Young Voters in the East Village React to 2024 Election Outcome with Fear and Determination

The 2024 presidential election is over, and while many in the East Village saw the result coming, it hasn’t stopped the wave of frustration, especially among younger voters. For older residents, there’s an air of resignation, a sense that political chaos has become a routine part of life. But for Gen Z, the election outcome feels like the opening chapter of a nightmare.

Sammy Williams, a 65-year-old retiree who has lived in the East Village for over a decade, wasn’t fazed by the result. “We knew what was gonna happen,” he said, leaning against a bar. “People have picked sides, and that’s just the reality now. I don’t see why anyone’s surprised.”

Williams’ sentiment echoes that of many long-time residents who have grown numb to the pendulum swings of American politics. For them, divisive elections have become a predictable cycle. However, for younger voters, particularly those who cast their first or second ballot this year, the response is far from apathetic. Instead, it’s filled with fear and urgency.

Low Turnout Among Young Voters: A Persistent Issue

The frustration of Gen Z voters is underscored by a recurring challenge in American elections: low turnout among younger demographics. Historically, voter turnout among 18-to-24-year-olds has lagged behind other age groups. In the 2020 election, only 50% of eligible voters aged 18-29 participated, compared to 66% of voters aged 45 and older, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. This trend was consistent in midterm elections as well, with youth turnout typically hovering around 20%-30%.

While Gen Z is vocal about their concerns—particularly on social media—their frustration often doesn’t translate into electoral participation at the same rates as older generations. This paradox makes their post-election anxiety even more poignant.

Fear of “Project 2025” Drives Anxiety

For many Gen Z voters in the East Village, the dread is tied to fears about Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint aimed at reshaping federal agencies, reversing climate initiatives, and rolling back civil rights protections. Younger voters see it as a direct threat to progress.

“I’m honestly terrified,” said Julia Rodriguez, a 20-year-old college student. “Project 2025 could undo everything we’ve fought for. It feels like they’re trying to roll back time, and people my age are scared of what’s coming next. It’s hard to feel hopeful when it looks like our future is being sold out.”

Rodriguez’s sentiments are echoed by her peers, who worry that the new administration might dismantle policies impacting everything from reproductive rights to student loan relief. For them, the stakes feel personal.

A Generational Divide

If there’s one place where the generational divide is stark, it’s on social media. Young voters, especially in progressive enclaves like the East Village, have turned to platforms like Instagram and TikTok to vent their frustrations—and to draw political lines in the sand.

“I unfollowed at least 15 people the night of the election,” said Marcus Green, a 21-year-old freelance photographer. “It’s beyond politics at this point. When someone votes for Trump, it feels like they’re voting against everything we stand for. I’m not going for that!”

The emotional toll of the election is palpable, but so is the resolve to fight back.

From Frustration to Action

Despite their disappointment, many young residents are channeling their frustration into activism. Lisa Kim, a 21-year-old college student, sees the election as a call to action.

“We can’t just sit back and watch,” Kim said. “This election was a wake-up call, and if anything, it’s made us more determined. We have to organize, protest, and push back harder than ever. This isn’t over.”

Kim’s optimism reflects the duality of Gen Z’s post-election mood. While the challenges ahead seem daunting, there’s a growing sense that the fight has only just begun.

Hope Amid Despair

Though young voters have historically struggled with turnout, their passion and energy remain a crucial force in American democracy. Whether that energy will translate into higher participation in future elections is the ultimate question. For now, in the East Village, the determination to make a difference burns brightly.