The runoff elections for both Georgia seats will determine control of the Senate, and mobilizing Black youth in the state may be a decisive factor.

Campaigns are leaving millions of votes on the table by not engaging young people, who often face challenges to electoral participation.

We estimate that young people turned out at a higher rate in 2020 than in 2016, and their impact—especially youth of color's overwhelming support for Biden—was decisive in key races across the country.

We spoke to community leaders about how they’ve adapted their strategies and messaging, embracing digital platforms to reach youth despite COVID-19.

In every state we're tracking, the youth share of the early vote is higher than in 2016, and in eight states youth have already cast more votes than the 2016 presidential margin of victory.

Minnesota has had the strongest youth participation in the country in recent elections, and the youth vote could decide several House races in 2020.

However, in 16 states, registration among youth ages 18-19 is lower than in 2016, suggesting the pandemic may have hindered efforts to reach the youngest eligible voters

Data shows that, in recent presidential elections, young people made up their minds about who to vote for later than older voters.

In half of the states ranked in the top 10 of our Youth Electoral Significance Index, at least a third of the population lives in rural areas.