I was born and raised in Kearns, and I’ve always wanted to give back to my community. My interests in political science and public policy led me to a legislative internship with Alliance for a Better Utah.

As I sit in committee meetings, one issue stands out: the lack of representation and perspectives from Gen Z.

Utah remains one of the youngest states in the United States. Despite this, I believe young voters continue to be underrepresented in policy. As a result, a large segment of community voices are not heard at the ballot box.

In 2022, people between the ages of 18-29 accounted for only 12% of Utah voters. This is shockingly low when considering the overall proportion of young adults in Utah. Gen Z voters are not showing up to the polls.

The lack of Gen Z participation extends far beyond statistics. It shapes the very legislative agenda itself. The lack of underrepresentation of Gen Z and young voices not being heard is discouraging, and it is ultimately being reflected in the legislation proposed and passed during this year’s session. Disconnect between Gen Z voters cares and what legislation is passing is apparent.

Personally, the cost of living is at the forefront of concerns that I have, especially regarding life after graduation. Just between my sophomore year of high school and my second to last year of college the cost of living in Utah has increased approximately 24% between 2020 and 2025. I am not alone in the concern for cost of living. In 2024, Utah voters younger than 35 have listed housing as their top concern and inflation as their third.

However, effects of affordability don’t seem to be given ample attention during this legislative session. There has been a lack of bill proposals addressing housing affordability for Utahns, let alone Gen Z, for the 2026 session.

How then are we going to ever address this issue of disconnect between Gen Z and Utah’s legislative body? I propose two ways of bridging this present divide.

First, those proposing and passing bills must be responsive and attentive to the needs of every stakeholder, including future generations.

Representatives can hold town halls at times when constituents aren’t working. Many of us are juggling school, work and other responsibilities. When a town hall is held during the middle of the day, constituents who may want to attend town halls won’t have the chance to.

Second, Gen Z, and young people alike, need to be more attentive to — and vocal about — what’s going on during the legislative sessions. Young voices matter.

It can be challenging to be politically engaged as a young person, but we need to do better.

There are so many new experiences and responsibilities happening at once that politics can feel like a minor issue. However, as members of Gen Z, it is our responsibility to remain civically engaged to help facilitate a brighter future for ourselves, and generations to come.

Gen Z is often engaging in non-traditional methods of civic engagement, like technology and social media. Like others, I have relied on social media and digital news outlets to get my information about what is going on in politics. But we also need to understand the traditional methods of political engagement.

You should know how to connect with your representative through phone calls and email. There are tons of ways you can do this. In fact, you can find out who your state lawmakers are here right now.

Other resources like 5 Calls are easy ways for constituents to share their voice. There are also local groups like Ignite Utah who help empower and mobilize Gen Z in Utah.

My future should not be held in the hands of a system that does not represent me. That is why it is important for young voices to be heard and for Gen Z to be civically engaged.

It is never too late to start, Utah. Be curious. Be attentive.

Aaliyah Henderson is a senior at the University of Utah, double majoring in political science and health, society and policy. She is also a legislative intern for Alliance for a Better Utah.

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