Story by Abby Allard

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TRT: 1:38

 

Lower Thirds:

0:38 – Adam Lacasse, 24, Michigan Delegate

1:08 – Kaylee Werner, 20, Pennsylvania Delegate 

1:30 – Gov. Tim Walz, Vice President Nominee

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Captioning: 

Young voices filled the room at the Youth Council meeting, a space dedicated to the next generation of voters at this week’s Democratic National Convention. These young participants say they’re ready to play a crucial role in this fall’s election — and the party leaders say they’re support is essential.

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The meeting brought together young Democrats—those 36 and younger—to energize each other and discuss why they and others in their generation should support Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. 

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A lot of their political memory start at 2016 or after. And all they know is the division, the negativity, and the fear , and the dread. And now this hope is coming back and I think that’s what's reinvigorating young people so much. Oh, this is how politics is supposed to be.

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For these young attendees, voting for Kamala Harris is about more than supporting a candidate. They say it's about advocating for unity, and the ability to have a choice—values they believe are crucial in overcoming divisions within politics.

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Instead of why not vote for Trump? Why vote for Harris? Because she stands for everything that we do. Love and community and uplifting others.

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Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz, who made a surprise appearance at the Youth Council,  urged young voters to recognize the power they hold — and the importance to the Democratic ticket’s chances in November.

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Look this thing is gonna be close, it is gonna be closer than it should be, it’s gonna be one of the trenches. It is gonna be won by your demographic for the most part if we can turn you out to vote.

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Reporting from Chicago, I’m Abby Allard