From The Conversation · Jillian Turanovic · · 1m 30s
Young voters fear mass shootings but split on gun control
Young voters fear mass shootings but split on gun control.
In brief
Young voters fear mass shootings but split on gun control. Young voters fear mass shootings but split on gun control. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Bend school shooting
A gunman killed three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon on Oct. 15, 2026.
Oregon gun laws stalled
Oregon has stricter gun laws than most states but some laws like tougher background checks are stalled in court.
Midterm elections near
The Bend shooting occurs weeks before midterm elections where voters choose lawmakers who shape gun laws.
Young voters eligible
Nearly 50 million Americans ages 18 to 29 are eligible to vote in upcoming midterm elections with 60% planning to participate.
Mass shootings in young lives
Young adults have survived two mass shootings before age 25 in some cases.
Massacre generation
Young adults grew up in the post-9/11, post-Columbine era with routine lockdown drills and nonstop media coverage of mass violence.
Fear divides young voters
Young adults who fear mass shootings more support gun control while young men and conservatives oppose it.
State gun policy votes
Massachusetts and Arkansas voters will decide gun policy in upcoming elections.
Young voters split on gun control
Most young adults share fear of mass shootings but disagree on gun control solutions.
What happens next
With each new mass shooting, young voters’ divide on gun control may deepen.
The main idea
Young voters fear mass shootings but split on gun control.
