Poll: Young Americans are more excited to vote, but less convinced that leaders are listening

NEW YORK (September 15, 2026) – More than six in ten young eligible voters surveyed say they intend to vote in state elections this year, a 15-point increase since 2024, according to new national polling released today by UNICEF USA and The Harris Poll. Respondents across ideological lines report economic issues, including cost of living, housing and inflation are their top concerns. 

The third annual UNICEF USA Youth Poll surveyed 3,204 people ages 14 to 22 and found that young people are eager to participate and optimistic about their political power, while simultaneously feeling like institutions are failing to include them. Young people report rising intent to vote, rising belief in their own influence and falling agreement that getting involved is too hard. However, 63% say their opinion does not matter to elected officials. Youth aren’t disengaged – they’re unconvinced. 

Beyond voting, young people say it has gotten easier to get involved through volunteering and other avenues and 74% believe their participation in the political process would make our country better.

Across every age and political affiliation, the ask is consistent: not symbolic outreach, but genuine engagement from elected leaders and a seat at the table.

"Young people aren't asking for special treatment; they're asking to have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives,” said Darla Silva, UNICEF USA Chief Program Officer. “This poll makes clear that they're ready to vote, volunteer and lead.  The question is whether our institutions and leaders are ready to make room for them and listen."

“I'll know that adults are really listening to young people when they let us help shape the decisions, not just feel the consequences,” said Aditya, a 16-year-old high school student and UNICEF National Youth Council member in New York.

“It’s not just about nodding your head and smiling and saying that you're being heard. It's about showing that through interactive elements. Are we actually being brought into these spaces? Are our views actually being put into measures that can help us?” said Marium, 18, a UNICEF National Youth Council member originally from Texas who attends Harvard University.

Key findings

• Voting intent is climbing: Amongst eligible voters, intended participation in state elections rose from 47% in 2024 to 62% in 2026. Local election intent rose from 42% to 55%.
• Affordability and health care are the priorities: Cost of living and housing rank as the top issue facing the country (61%), with affordability by far the leading issue heading into the midterms (31%). Four in five young people who prioritize health care and mental health care access say elected officials give the issue too little attention (82% and 81% respectively). 
• Barriers are easing: Those who say it is hard to get involved fell from 50% to 42% since 2024. Those who say their opinion does not matter to elected officials fell from 73% in 2024 to 63%.
• Belief outpaces access: 82% believe people their age can make a difference and 74% believe their involvement in policymaking would improve the country – but only 30% feel included.
• Young people are clear about what they want: When asked how leaders could make them feel heard, young people pointed to understanding how they view issues (44%), considering how legislation affects them (43%), engaging in honest dialogue (42%) and including them directly in decision-making (42%).

The complete 2026 UNICEF USA Youth Poll findings, including three-year trends and demographic breakouts, are available here.

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METHODOLOGY

The research was conducted online in the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf UNICEF USA among 3,204 teens/young adults, including 1,577 ages 14–17 who were recruited and given permission to participate by their parent or legal guardian and 1,627 ages 18–22, with 532 Black, 715 Hispanic, and an oversample of Asian for a total of 314. The survey was conducted April 23-May 19, 2026. 

The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval.  For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ± 2.1 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.  This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. 

• Black teens and young adults aged 14-22: For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ± 4.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.  This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. 
• Hispanic teens and young adults aged 14-22: For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ± 4.1 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.  This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. 
• Asian teens and young adults aged 14-22: For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ± 6.1 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.  This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.

ABOUT UNICEF USA 

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org. 

For more information please contact: 

Michaela Johnson, UNICEF USA, 301-848-9048, MJohnson@unicefusa.org