Lexi Farber is chair of Next Century Forum. Laura Snider is vice chair of Next Century Forum and was the 2024 Democratic nominee in Iowa House district 28.

In 2024, young Iowans showed us both the promise and the peril of democracy. On one hand, students, recent graduates, and young families voiced frustrations about housing costs, student debt, and the future of our state. On the other, too many stayed home on election day. Their absence wasn’t apathy—it was disconnection.

Nationally, voters under 30 have shifted about 10 points toward Republicans since 2020. That swing didn’t happen by chance. Conservative groups poured resources into organizing young people. Turning Point USA, for example, now has chapters at nearly every major college in the country—and is pouring millions into launching Turning Point chapters in high schools. Their influence is expanding fast, and it’s reshaping the civic landscape our generation inherits.

If they can do it, so can we—and more.

And the gap is real: in 2024, only 47 percent of young people voted, compared to 64 percent of all eligible voters. That 17-point difference left tens of thousands of voices unheard. Research from the Analyst Institute shows we know how to close it: strategies like social-pressure messaging, peer-to-peer outreach, and targeted voter registration consistently boost turnout. Even one or two percentage points can decide elections in Iowa’s most competitive districts.

That’s why we built Next Century Forum: to reconnect Iowa’s youth to democracy with proven, people-centered strategies. We’re making politics social and accessible again—hosting candidate forums, trivia nights, and community gatherings that bring people together. This spring, we’re launching an all-Iowa campus tour to elevate liberal voices and show students they’re not alone. And we’re going further than turnout: we’re recruiting young people to run for office, knock doors, and power progressive campaigns in their communities.

And we’re growing. Next Century Forum just launched a new chapter in Iowa’s second Congressional district—covering Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Decorah, and surrounding communities—expanding our statewide network and giving more young Iowans a space to connect, organize, and act.

We’re already gaining traction. Leaders across Iowa are backing our mission, including State Representatives Jennifer Konfrst, Kenan Judge, and Heather Matson, former State Representative Molly Buck, Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner, and State Senators Caitlin Drey and Molly Donahue. Their support shows that Iowa’s current leaders recognize the urgency of preparing the next generation.

“If we want Iowa’s democracy to thrive, we must invest in young people today,” said Heather Matson. “And let’s face it – our next generation is excited to be a part of their communities but haven’t always felt the natural connection to politics. Next Century Forum is exactly the kind of effort that makes politics feel real and relevant again as a way to build community, connections, and civic engagement. I couldn’t be more excited to support these efforts.”

Iowa has always been a proving ground for democracy. The caucuses showed us that neighbors talking to neighbors can shape the course of the nation. We believe young Iowans are ready to write the next chapter in that story—if we give them the chance.

Every generation is told their moment will come. We need Democrats to recognize that our generation’s moment is already here. Iowa’s youth are not just the future of this state’s democracy—they are its present. They hold the keys to the promise of tomorrow. We’re asking you to join us: come to an event, bring a friend, volunteer to canvass, or chip in to support our work. The strategies are proven. The energy is here. Let’s put it to work.

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