SOUTHERN MARYLAND — With early voting underway across Maryland and Primary Election Day approaching on June 23, voters throughout Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties are beginning to make their voices heard. Among them is a generation that is becoming an increasingly important part of the electorate: young voters.
While older generations continue to vote at higher rates, recent election data shows more young adults are participating in the political process than they were a decade ago, giving them greater influence over the candidates, issues and decisions shaping Southern Maryland and the state as a whole.
In Maryland, 52.6% of voters ages 18 to 24 reported casting a ballot in the 2024 election, exceeding the national youth turnout rate of 47% and reflecting a broader increase in participation among younger Americans.
The Upward Trend: From 2016 To 2024
According to Tufts University’s Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), youth voter turnout nationally increased from 39% in 2016 to a record 50% in 2020. While turnout dipped slightly to 47% in 2024, participation among young voters remains significantly higher than it was a decade ago.
Maryland outpaced the national trend. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 52.6% of Maryland voters ages 18 to 24 reported casting a ballot in the 2024 election, compared with the national youth turnout rate of 47%.
In Southern Maryland, young voters can help shape races for county commissioner, school board, municipal government and state legislative offices, as well as decisions involving education funding, housing development, economic growth and land use.
| Maryland Age Group | Population | Registered | % Registered | Voted | % Voted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18–24 | 463,000 | 304,000 | 65.7% | 243,000 | 52.6% |
| 25–34 | 840,000 | 517,000 | 61.5% | 474,000 | 56.5% |
| 35–44 | 839,000 | 612,000 | 73.0% | 520,000 | 62.0% |
| 45–64 | 1,364,000 | 1,056,000 | 77.4% | 947,000 | 69.4% |
| 65+ | 1,280,000 | 1,008,000 | 78.8% | 905,000 | 70.8% |
Why it matters: Young voters ages 18 to 34 make up a significant share of Maryland’s electorate. While older voters continue to participate at higher rates, more than half of Maryland voters ages 18 to 24 reported casting a ballot in 2024, giving younger residents a growing voice in elections and public policy.
Why Young Voters Are Showing Up: What They Care About
In a 2024 survey by the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan public opinion research organization, health care, cost of living, Supreme Court appointments, and the economy ranked among the most important issues influencing voters.
Some of those same concerns are reflected in issues being discussed across Southern Maryland, including:
- Education: Public Schools budget debates and school safety funding
- Housing and development: Planning Commission decisions on residential projects
- Cost of living: Wages, rent, and local economic opportunities
- Environment: Data center proposals and land use decisions
While the issues themselves vary, researchers say how younger voters learn about them has changed significantly over the past decade.
Tufts University’s CIRCLE, found that younger voters are more likely to get political information through social media, online platforms and digital communication than through traditional campaign methods.
Recognizing that shift, The BayNet created a dedicated SoMD Elections page to help connect voters with the information they need before heading to the polls. The page brings together candidate interviews, election coverage, voter guides and issue-focused reporting in one place, making it easier for Southern Maryland residents to stay informed throughout the election cycle.
Want to connect with younger voters? Candidates and campaigns interested in reaching Southern Maryland’s next generation of voters can contact vicky@thebaynet.com to learn more about The BayNet’s election coverage and digital outreach opportunities.
Ready to Vote? Here’s What You Need
Check your registration status:
voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch
Register to vote online:
voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration
Find your polling location and election dates:
elections.maryland.gov
Early voting is happening until Thursday, June 18 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Voters who are in line by 8 p.m. can cast a ballot.
For more 2024 Maryland election results and voter data, visit elections.maryland.gov.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
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are sample ballots out there? Whats the mission statement? Whats the agenda?
Please consider voting for those that don’t have as many\ don’t have any signs.
there used to be a time when you had to be a farmer or church pastor to get elected.
I get that you’re endorsed, what are your plans?
The Maryland catholic Conference survey has state offices on it.
Ask if youre satisfied with the last 4 years + consider making the changes that should be made. Isn’t this state overpriced, etc.? Doesn’t this state have too many laws + shouldn’t we consider getting rid of some of them. Laws going back to the 1600s no less. It could be a county crisis if there are unchallenged candidates.