DNC to Display Trump Banners at College Football Games in Key States

As college football fans filled the stands at the University of Michigan’s Big House, they were greeted by a message from the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Suspended above them, an aerial banner proclaimed: “JD Vance”. This initiative aimed to engage voters in key battleground states ahead of the upcoming elections.

The DNC’s aerial advertising was not limited to Michigan. Similar banners were set to be displayed during other high-profile college football games on that Saturday, including matchups like the University of Georgia vs. Tennessee Tech and Pennsylvania State vs. Bowling Green. At the Wisconsin game against South Dakota, the slogan read: “Jump Around! Beat Trump + Project 2025”, cleverly referencing a beloved team tradition.

This effort to remind voters of the upcoming election comes as part of the DNC’s strategy to engage younger voters, a demographic critical to their success in the November elections. The DNC spokesperson, Abhi Rahman, stated, “The DNC is reaching voters where they are. These banners carry a message that resonates with fans and reminds them that the most important contest is still to come in November.”

While Trump and his campaign have attempted to distance themselves from Project 2025, many of the proposals found within align closely with Trump’s previous campaign promises. Vance, an Ohio politician, has also tapped into the well-known rivalry between Michigan and Ohio during his campaign events, emphasizing the importance of securing a win in Michigan for this election cycle.

In addition to the DNC’s initiative, various political groups are looking to leverage the intersection of sports and politics to rally the youth vote. NextGen America, a non-partisan organization focused on youth voter engagement, has created an innovative campaign that pays student-athletes in battleground states to use their platforms to encourage voter participation. This approach is among the first to capitalize on the new “Name, Image, and Likeness” (NIL) rulings allowing athletes to monetize their own likenesses.

Engaging with young voters remains a key strategy for Vice President Kamala Harris, especially considering the overwhelming support President Biden received from this age group during the 2020 elections. According to exit polls, Biden garnered 65% of votes from those aged 18 to 24 and 54% of voters aged 25 to 29. Additionally, voters under 30 comprised 38% of new voters in that election cycle.

However, turnout among young voters often lags behind older demographics, with just 51.4% of 18 to 24-year-olds participating in the last election, in contrast to 76% of voters aged 65 to 74. Even though these numbers show a slight increase from the 2016 election, where only 46.1% of young voters participated, there’s still significant room for improvement.

On the other side of the aisle, organizations like Turning Point USA are also reaching out to young voters. Founded to engage young conservatives, Turning Point has organized events featuring Trump and Vance. They’ve focused outreach efforts on Greek life in Arizona and Wisconsin, setting up booths at college tailgates. The organization’s founder, Charlie Kirk, plans visits to over 22 campuses in swing states, where he engages students in open debates, resulting in hundreds of new voter registrations.

Earlier this month, the Harris campaign launched a “Back-to-School” initiative that targets 150 college campuses across battleground states. This campaign incorporates social media and campus newspaper ads while also doubling their dedicated staff for youth outreach. The campaign intends to air advertisements during college football games this fall.

Current polling indicates that young voters under 30 are significantly leaning toward Harris. Since she became the nominee, there has been a reported 175% increase in young Black women registering to vote, according to TargetSmart.

Despite this optimistic engagement, voters under 30 also conveyed the lowest confidence in their likelihood to vote in November, according to a recent CBS News poll. In an effort to boost turnout, both political parties are reaching out through social media influencers and content creators. For instance, the Democratic National Convention welcomed over 200 influencers to help spread their message, including interviews with prominent figures like Kamala Harris.

In a similar vein, Trump has capitalized on the digital landscape, making appearances on podcasts and streaming shows geared towards younger audiences. Earlier this summer, he appeared on a popular show hosted by internet celebrity Adin Ross, which sparked controversy, illuminating the divided perspectives among voters.

As both parties intensify their efforts to appeal to the youth vote, it remains clear that the combination of sports and politics will play a pivotal role in shaping the electoral landscape this November.