Political leaders and party groups feel stumped trying to reach the youth. This month, Johnson County Democrats are conducting “listening tours” to connect with students at the University of Iowa, consisting of various extracurricular and undergraduate-based organizations and events. The listening tour works as an open forum for students to describe their needs, goals, and priorities when it comes to both elected officials and the Democratic Party.
While precise scheduling details are not publicly aggregated, the broader push is part of a statewide – and national – effort by Democrats to court younger voters. For example, the Democratic National Committee announced an approximately $500,000 campaign last year to boost early voting among college students in Iowa and other battleground states. The Johnson County Democrats are hoping to improve the relationship with UIowa students while reminding them how influential they can be in politics.
Youth struggle to have their voices heard in the Democratic Party; some say it cost them the previous presidential election. This measure, taken by the Johnson County Democrats, is a steer in a new direction for the Democratic Party as a whole. In an attempt to truly listen to the youth, the group will continue on this listening tour. The research documented along the way will be relayed back to elected officials throughout the government. Common motifs during student feedback toward the Johnson County Democrats so far include:
- Banning ICE from Iowa City
- Enforce the frequently ignored recycling ordinance with city landlords
- Protect trans and marginalized students in light of the threat to federal funding
- Protect Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives
- Develop a platform to address an evolving technological environment, including AI, privacy, copyright, and natural resource concerns
Meanwhile, at UI, the non-partisan student-led group Hawk the Vote (under the Leadership, Service & Civic Engagement office) has been working to register students, provide guides, and encourage ballots. Their resources note: “Your vote is your voice” and point out that students eligible to vote in Iowa City must decide whether to register locally in Iowa City or in their home jurisdiction. They offered information on how to research candidates, attend city hall meetings, input in planning initiatives, and encourage all the students to participate in the democratic process.
Hawk The Vote hosted a forum for city council candidates at the Iowa Memorial Union. This gave students the chance to hear out each candidate who could potentially represent them as Iowa Citizens. Newcomer Clara Reynen is a graduate student at the University and stated she plans to bring a young voice to the council. Challenger Newman Abuissa is attempting to appeal to young voters through his aggressive environmental action. Incumbent Megan Alter plans to improve the child care industry, and Incumbent Bruce Teague appeals to his extensive experience addressing affordable housing and free busing measures.
To learn more about these candidates, visit the KRUI YouTube for interviews and updates.