Postcards to the president: Young voters share their thoughts
Introduction
By Susan A. Hughes
April 2, 2026
The Harvard Public Opinion Project (HPOP) of the Institute of Politics (IOP) went on the road to hear what’s on the minds of young voters. Team, led by John Della Volpe, the IOP’s director of polling, visited Charlotte, North Carolina.
The group of 20 represented a wide range of socio-economic and political ideologies and included people who felt their views were overlooked and underserved by politicians.
“I consider myself to be a professional listener,” said Della Volpe in his introduction to the group. “And it is an amazing job and a privilege to hear and understand what you are thinking.”
The point of the discussion, Della Volpe said, was to hold a collective conversation with various points of view. “It’s important to understand the experiences we have in common and find ways to address them.”
As the participants introduced themselves, many revealed they are working multiple jobs just to stay afloat. They described balancing full-time roles with side work like serving, delivery driving, babysitting, or freelancing. Even those in roles such as teaching often need additional income due to relatively low pay. Despite their efforts, most are not striving for the luxuries in life but simply for stability—being able to pay bills, afford groceries, and have a small financial cushion.
Financial fears
A major theme was the rising cost of living and constant financial pressure. Bills, debt, rent, and everyday expenses are overwhelming, leading many to feel like they are in “survival mode.” Missing even one day of work can have serious consequences, participants shared, especially for those without paid time off or flexible jobs.
Many of the 20-somethings also felt that leaders and institutions do not understand or represent their realities. Participants believe politicians are often disconnected due to differences in age, background, privilege, and life experience. “I think people in government are not thinking about how things have changed like degree inflation for example,” is the way one participant put it. “You can no longer get a great job with a high school degree, or even a bachelor’s degree, you need a master’s for so many things.”
They emphasized the need for leaders who are authentic, empathetic, relatable, and actively engaged with everyday people. The group expressed frustration that systems are rarely changed to reflect current challenges, even when those that are widely known. “Everyone sees inflation and prices going up,” one member of the group said. “Gas, groceries, that’s money going out of my pocket.”
In terms of voting priorities, participants consistently pointed to affordability as the most urgent issue, along with healthcare access, housing, mental health support, and economic security. Other concerns included environmental issues, public safety, accessibility, and government spending—particularly the perception that resources are directed away from domestic needs. Healthcare gaps were especially evident.
One respondent, a schoolteacher at a private institution, acknowledged she is unable to afford marketplace insurance yet does not qualify for government assistance. “I’ve been working since I was 14, paying taxes since I was 16. How come I am not able to afford health coverage?”
Distrust in media and government
Several people expressed frustration with the influence of big tech and social media algorithms, describing them as manipulative, addictive, and even “brainwashing,” since they reinforce existing beliefs and push increasingly extreme or harmful content. Others highlighted how misinformation—especially around health topics like vaccines—creates confusion and distrust.
Some members described immigration enforcement, particularly the presence of ICE, as deeply disruptive to these participants and their communities. “I work with autistic kiddos on the south side,” said one participant. “At the time that ICE was active in Charlotte, families were scared. They didn’t send their kiddos to therapy. The kids lost critical help, the staffers lost critical employment.”
As the discussion turned to the recent U.S. military action involving Iran, responses varied widely: some felt fear and anxiety about an escalating war and others expressed confusion or anger about U.S. involvement abroad. A few supported aspects of the action—removing an oppressive regime—while others criticized it as a distraction from domestic issues. “I thought it was hypocritical,” one participant said. “I thought this administration ran on a platform of ending foreign wars, bringing troops home. Now we are in another war.”
Many worried about potential consequences, including attacks on U.S. soil, cyber warfare, or long-term instability. Overall, the reactions reflected uncertainty, division, and skepticism. “Liberating Iranians from a brutal government is a good thing, but I don’t really think that is what it is really about,” one respondent said. “That’s just the picture [our government] wants to paint.”
There was also discussion about whether the president should have expanded powers to act quickly during national emergencies. Some participants supported stronger executive action due to political gridlock in Congress, while others felt it could be dangerous and undermine checks and balances. Concerns about political division were central, with many feeling that partisanship makes it difficult for the government to effectively address major issues.
Anxiety and hope
Overall, the conversation reflects a generation that feels overworked, financially strained, and undersupported. Many rely primarily on themselves, close relationships, or faith to get by, rather than expecting help from broader systems.
But they are not without hope. We all have a purpose for life,” said one. Another said it was important to be there for each other. “In community, maybe the government doesn’t show up for me, but I can be part of groups who are going to show up for others around me, whether that’s the church community, your friends, or your family.”
At the end of the discussion, Della Volpe gave each participant a postcard, asking each to write Mr. Trump a message about how they are feeling. The messages include:
- “The promises of lower prices, no wars, and being a God-fearing country are not being met...”
- “All I ask is that you take a moment to listen to those that you are in charge of governing...”
- “I want you to focus on the everyday life of American citizens...”
- “Mr. President: At some point take a step back and understand you’re a parent with 300 million kids. A hard job, but honest work. There is no perfect solution, but there’s always a right way. Lead with morality.”
All postcards are in the mail.