Young voters are often told they have the power to change the future, but many are wondering if their votes actually make a difference. Year after year, the same promises are made and broken, the same issues remain unresolved, and politicians seem more interested in winning elections than actually fixing anything. The result? A growing sense of cynicism, frustration, and political disengagement. Here are the biggest issues that are pushing young voters to the edge of disillusionment.
1. Empty Promises About Student Loan Forgiveness
Politicians love to dangle student loan forgiveness as a campaign promise, but after the votes are counted, the urgency disappears. Generations of students were told that higher education was the key to success—only to be saddled with crushing debt that takes decades to pay off. According to a recent report from the National Consumer Law Center, attempts at student loan forgiveness have been plagued by legal challenges and ineffective implementation, leaving many borrowers still struggling with debt.
Attempts at partial relief have been met with legal challenges, delays, and half-measures that barely make a dent in the crisis. Meanwhile, tuition costs keep rising, and young voters are left wondering if politicians ever intended to follow through in the first place. The constant cycle of empty promises has made many feel like they’re being used for votes rather than genuinely supported.
2. The Housing Market Being Totally Unattainable
For older generations, homeownership was a milestone that came with a steady job and a reasonable mortgage. For young people today, it feels more like an impossible dream. Skyrocketing home prices, ruthless corporate buyers, and stagnant wages have made it nearly impossible for first-time buyers to enter the market. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, housing affordability has reached its lowest level in over a decade, with rising home prices and interest rates making homeownership increasingly unattainable for first-time buyers.
Instead of real solutions, politicians offer vague initiatives that do little to combat rising costs. Meanwhile, rental prices continue to soar, leaving many young voters stuck in an endless cycle of paying someone else’s mortgage while homeownership remains out of reach. The realization that they may never own a home, despite working full-time, is fueling deep frustration with the system.
3. Wage Stagnation While The Cost Of Living Skyrockets
Despite inflation driving up the cost of everything from groceries to gas, wages have barely budged. Young workers are expected to survive on salaries that haven’t kept pace with the economy, making it harder than ever to save, invest, or even cover basic expenses. According to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute, wage growth has failed to keep pace with inflation and productivity gains, leading to effective wage stagnation for many workers despite rising living costs.
While corporate profits continue to hit record highs, employees are being told to “tighten their belts” and accept the reality of struggling to make ends meet. Many young voters see this economic imbalance as a direct result of political inaction, reinforcing the belief that those in power care more about protecting businesses than the people who actually keep them running.
4. Climate Change Being Treated Like A Joke
The science is clear: climate change is real, it’s happening now, and the longer we wait, the worse it will get. But despite this, lawmakers continue to debate the issue as if it’s up for discussion. Fossil fuel industries still receive massive subsidies, environmental policies are watered down, and meaningful action is constantly delayed. According to a report from the United Nations Environment Programme, current climate policies and actions are insufficient to meet global temperature goals, with many countries failing to implement the urgent measures needed to address climate change effectively.
For young voters, who will inherit the consequences of today’s inaction, this feels like an unforgivable betrayal. They’re watching their futures be compromised while politicians drag their feet or outright deny the problem. The lack of urgency has led many to feel like voting won’t make a difference when corporate interests dictate environmental policies.
5. Gun Control Laws That Seem Unlikely To Change
Mass shootings have become a terrifyingly normal part of American life, yet meaningful gun reform feels as distant as ever. Despite overwhelming public support for common-sense laws like universal background checks and assault weapon bans, politicians continue to stall, citing Second Amendment debates and partisan gridlock.
Young people have grown up with active shooter drills as a routine part of their education. They’ve seen classmates killed, friends traumatized, and yet, the cycle of violence continues. The inability—or refusal—of lawmakers to take real action on gun control has made many young voters question whether their government truly values their safety.
6. Healthcare Remaining Outrageously Expensive And Inaccessible
While most developed countries provide affordable or free healthcare, the U.S. remains an outlier with its broken, profit-driven system. Even those with insurance face high deductibles, surprise medical bills, and drug prices that make basic treatment unaffordable.
For young voters, the idea that medical care is a privilege rather than a right is increasingly frustrating. Politicians talk about reform, but nothing changes. Private insurance companies continue raking in billions while millions struggle to afford a doctor’s visit. The lack of political will to fix a system that clearly doesn’t work has made young voters deeply cynical.
7. The Blatant Corruption Of Corporate Money In Politics
It’s no secret that major corporations and wealthy donors have outsized influence in American politics. Lobbyists craft legislation, special interests fund campaigns, and politicians often seem more loyal to their donors than their constituents.
Young voters are increasingly aware of this dynamic, and it has left many feeling like their voices don’t matter. When billionaires and corporations dictate policy, democracy starts to feel like an illusion. The more they see money controlling the political system, the less faith they have in it.
8. No One Batting An Eye At Voter Suppression Tactics
Despite politicians claiming that every vote counts, many states continue to pass laws that make it harder to vote, particularly for young people, minorities, and lower-income individuals. From gerrymandering to restrictive ID laws to polling place closures, these tactics create unnecessary barriers to participation.
For young voters, seeing their own government actively discourage participation is disheartening. It reinforces the idea that those in power don’t actually want fair elections—they want to manipulate the system to maintain control. This makes many feel that the system is rigged, leading them to disengage altogether.
9. Minimum Wage Failing To Keep Up With Inflation
The federal minimum wage has remained stagnant for years, even as inflation continues to drive up the cost of living. Many young workers are stuck in low-paying jobs that no longer cover basic expenses, forcing them to take on multiple jobs just to survive.
While politicians argue about small increases, the reality is that the current minimum wage isn’t livable. Seeing lawmakers hesitate over a pay raise while corporations report record profits only adds to young voters’ cynicism. They see a system that prioritizes profit over people, and they’re tired of waiting for meaningful change.
10. The Criminalization Of Reproductive Rights In Certain States
The rollback of abortion rights in many states has been a wake-up call for young voters who believed reproductive freedoms were secure. With increasingly restrictive laws being passed, many people now have fewer rights than their parents did.
For young voters, this isn’t just a political issue—it’s a fundamental human rights issue. Watching lawmakers strip away bodily autonomy while ignoring public opinion has been a major factor in rising political disillusionment.
11. Rent Prices Skyrocketing While Wages Stay The Same
Young people are paying more than ever just to keep a roof over their heads. Rental costs have surged nationwide, but salaries haven’t followed suit, leaving many with little to no disposable income.
While politicians talk about affordable housing, solutions rarely materialize. Meanwhile, corporate landlords buy up properties and drive prices even higher. The housing crisis feels like yet another example of the government failing to address everyday struggles, fueling even more frustration.
12. Job Insecurity In An Economy That Demands Unpaid Internships
Despite being more educated than previous generations, young workers face unprecedented job insecurity. Entry-level jobs often require years of experience, unpaid internships have become the norm, and stable, long-term careers are becoming harder to find.
Seeing an economy that demands free labor while offering no guarantees of stability makes young voters question the fairness of the system. If hard work and education don’t lead to opportunity, what’s the point?
13. Old Politicians Making Decisions About A Future They Won’t Live In
The average age of U.S. politicians is far higher than that of the general population, yet these same leaders are making decisions that will affect young people for decades to come.
From climate change to student debt, young voters see policies being shaped by those who won’t have to live with the consequences. It’s hard to trust leadership when it feels completely out of touch with your reality.
