Submitted
Young adult Hoosiers care about government but remain disconnected from the political process, including the fundamental act of voting.
That’s one of the key findings of new research released Wednesday, Jan. 28 by ReCenter Indiana Inc. The research also suggests what could help increase civic participation in future elections.
According to the Tufts CIRCLE 2024 youth voting report, only 39 percent of young Hoosiers voted, placing Indiana among the worst-performing states and far below the national young adult turnout of 47 percent.
ReCenter Indiana’s nonpartisan research study was conducted through a statistically representative survey of 307 central Indiana residents ages 18 to 34 who were registered to vote but did not cast a ballot in the 2024 general election.
Vare
“Young adult non-voters are not apathetic,” ReCenter Indiana Executive Director Jocelyn Vare said. “They really care – but they are distrustful of government, disappointed by politics and impeded by Election Day barriers.”
Vare presented the research study findings at the All IN For Democracy press conference at the Indiana Statehouse on Jan. 28.
Key findings
- Young adults overwhelmingly feel their voices do not influence government actions or election outcomes, with a majority saying they believe the government isn’t listening to people like them.
- Pessimism about the future is widespread. Half of respondents describe their outlook as pessimistic or negative.
- It’s not disinterest; instead, distrust and disappointment deter voting. Feeling that a vote “doesn’t matter” is the most cited reason for not voting.
- Different groups face distinct obstacles. Barriers to voting vary by party affiliation, gender, and identity. For some, it’s not liking either candidate. Others cite personal obligations and missed deadlines as reasons they didn’t vote.
- Almost half (45 percent) of the young Hoosiers surveyed have never voted. They cite distrust of the process or lack of information more often than those who have voted before.
- Young adults do want to participate. When asked whether they would vote this year, 35 percent said they would “definitely” vote, and many others report above-average likelihood of participating.
The research also shows that the following practical obstacles make it harder for young adults to turn intent into action:
- Work schedules
- Long lines at the polling place
- Limited Election Day hours
- Lack of awareness of early voting
The nonpartisan study was funded by a grant from the Nicholas H. Noyes Jr. Memorial Foundation and conducted jointly by two nationally respected research firms – Bellwether Research, typically employed by Republican candidates and causes, and Hart Research, whose clients are typically Democrats.
Fieldwork took place in late October 2025. It included both a focus group discussion and a broader survey conducted by phone and online.
A summary of the research findings can be found at ReCenter Indiana’s website.
I believe there is also a strong influence on eligible voters who feel their vote simply will not swing the election, regardless of where they fall on the party spectrum. Too much of a red state in everyone’s opinion.