PBS elections podcast driven by students including a Mercer Island teen

The PBS podcast "On Our Minds" is engaging young voices during the 2024 election season, with a special focus on their thoughts and experiences. In one poignant episode, Grace Go, a 2024 graduate from Mercer Island High School, interviews her mother about their immigrant journey and the meaning of America. This discussion uncovers the personal sacrifices made for educational advancement, something Grace had not fully appreciated before. The initiative is crucial as approximately 41 million members of Gen Z will be eligible to vote in the upcoming election, highlighting the necessity of youth engagement in political matters. Briget Ganske, a producer at PBS News Student Reporting Labs, notes that many young people feel overlooked in traditional election coverage.

The podcast aims to address this gap by providing a platform for diverse opinions and experiences. This season will also explore topics such as censorship and misinformation, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the issues at hand. Grace believes it's vital for young people to seek out various journalism sources to understand the political landscape better.