Grand Rapids coordinator Clarissa Mata urges young voters to prioritize affordability

Clarissa Mata, a 24-year-old engagement coordinator in Grand Rapids, says she is casting her ballot this year primarily for immigration policy and housing affordability. She supports progressive candidates who take clear stances on these issues.

Mata works at a local nonprofit. She notes that her generation faces the toughest economy of any cohort, with more young adults living at home than at any previous point. She moved back into her parents' house after finding that her salary covered only basic bills when she lived independently.

Her focus on voting stems from her family history. Her father was deported to Mexico five years ago and died there two years ago. Mata watched the 2008 presidential election with him as a child, a memory that instilled a lifelong interest in politics.

Because her father never had the legal right to vote, Mata views her own ballot as a way to extend his voice. She described this as a personal responsibility to ensure his perspective is represented in the political process.

Mata advises candidates to be bold rather than seeking a moderate middle ground. She observed that progressive candidates succeed in various parts of the country because their passion and specific policy positions are clear to voters. She believes strategic caution often dilutes the message that resonates with young voters.

In 2024, Michigan recorded a record increase in young voters participating in elections. Mata encourages this demographic to register and vote in both primary and general elections. She stated that voting is the best method for young people to make their voices heard and to speak on behalf of those who cannot exercise that right themselves.