There are almost 50 million Americans in the 18 to 29 age group who are eligible to vote in the 2026 midterms. How do young people today view the state of politics, and how are they shaping the positions and makeup of U.S. political parties? We’ll learn which issues the younger generation care about, and how involved they are in politics.

Panelists:
Dan Shea, professor of government, Colby College; co-editor, “Fountain of Youth: Strategies and Tactics for Mobilizing America’s Young Voters”
Natalie Emmerson, junior, Bowdoin College; co-creator, “Pine State Politics: In Session Podcast”
Cherie Strachan, director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics and professor of political science, University of Akron

VIP callers:
Keegan Tripp, graduating senior and outgoing student body president, University of Maine Student Government Inc; majoring in political science with minors in sociology, legal studies and leadership studies
Mak Thompson, 2025 graduate, University of Maine; majored in political science and women’s, gender and sexuality studies

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