More than memes: Gen Z Iowa voter says she’s ‘ready to see change’

Ever since Vice President Kamala Harris assumed the role of Democratic nominee for president, one Gen Z Iowa voter says she feels more hope than ever ahead of the November election.

Viral trends on social media, including posts themed “Brat summer,” the new Charlie XCX album the Harris campaign took inspiration from, and “Kamalanomenon,” a play on rising star Chappell Roan’s original song “Femininominon,” have all ramped up excitement for the election.

But behind the memes, Iowa voters think they have a real chance to push important issues and use their ballot to make their voices heard.

Ankeny resident Lily Inthalangsy said despite fears of how the election will turn out, she is more hopeful and positive than ever.

“I’m ready to see change,” the 20-year-old said. “I’m ready to see us become a country that is inviting and can fill the American dream that people want.”

For Inthalangsy, issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion are of utmost importance in the upcoming election. Harris would become the first Black female president if elected, proving to young people on a national stage that “if you have a dream, you can chase it,” Inthalangsy said.

“I don’t want people to walk the streets fearing for their life because of who they are, or who they love, (or) because of what they look like—it should never happen,” she said. “That should never happen in a country that believes in freedom and prosperity.”

The election will largely rely on Gen-Z voters, Inthalangsy said, because of their presence and ability to make real change.

Inthalangsy felt the most hope when she read the large influx of Gen-Z voter registrations. The non-partisan organization Vote.org reported a 700% increase in voter registrations within 48 hours of Biden dropping out of the race.

In Inthalangsy’s eyes, the younger generation is strong, resilient, and ready to see something happen for the better.

“I hear a lot of people complaining about what has become of America, but then they say, ‘I don’t think my vote does matter,’” she said. “If you want to see change, you have to show up to the polls.”