Teen activist Rhea Maniar emphasizes the impact of abortion on motivating young voters.

This piece is included in The 74’s EDlection 2024 series, examining candidates’ education platforms and their potential impact on the American education system post-2024 election.

Rhea Maniar became interested in politics at the age of 9, attending a 2016 Hillary Clinton rally with her parents while wearing a “Future President” shirt. Now, at 18, she is a prominent figure in youth organizing and politics in Florida. Maniar revitalized and led the Florida High School Democrats, interned for state Rep. Anna Eskamani, and organized rallies following the 2022 Roe v. Wade ruling.

Most recently, Maniar witnessed Clinton’s speech at the Democratic National Convention, the first since the overturning of Roe, where she participated as a volunteer and guest of South Asians for Harris.

She is traveling from Chicago to Boston this week, transitioning into her Harvard University freshman dorm to pursue studies in government, education, and Spanish while continuing her advocacy as a youth organizer. In Boston Public Schools, she will assist in teaching civics education with Harvard Civics.

Maniar has been actively involved in collecting signatures for an abortion amendment featured on her home state’s November ballot. Amendment 4 seeks to establish a statewide constitutional right to pre-fetal viability abortion, a significant departure from Florida’s current law restricting abortion after six weeks, except in limited cases.

Florida’s 2024 general election will feature eight certified statewide ballot measures related to abortion, a record for a single year. Vice President Kamala Harris, now leading the Democratic ticket, is recognized as a compelling advocate for reproductive rights and has won the support of Gen Z.

In a conversation with The 74, Maniar highlighted the significance of these ballot initiatives for youth voters, who are energized by the abortion issue and Harris’s broader campaign.

“I believe autonomy holds great importance for young people right now, especially in this state, where the sense of having none is palpable,” she stated.

In late July, Kamala Harris engaged with Maniar’s peers during a virtual appearance at the Gen-Z-led Voters of Tomorrow summit.

“We need your support,” Harris emphasized. “Young voters are key in this election, and we understand that your vote cannot be assumed. It must be earned. And that is precisely what we will strive to do.”

Vice President @KamalaHarris is aware of the need to earn the support of our generation, and that is precisely what she intends to do. pic.twitter.com/4zY2pLS62O

— Voters of Tomorrow (@VotersTomorrow) July 27, 2024

Prior to heading to the convention where Harris will accept her groundbreaking nomination, Maniar discussed politics with The 74’s Amanda Geduld.

The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

The 74: How did you initially engage with local politics and civic involvement?

Maniar reflected on her first exposure to politics at the 2016 Hillary Clinton rally in Sanford, Florida, where her parents took her while she was 9 years old. Despite her parents’ limited political engagement, the significance of having the first female Democratic nominee sparked Maniar’s interest. She volunteered for Clinton independently, beyond her bedtime, and commenced her political journey with phone banking during the 2016 campaign.

In 10th grade, she participated in the Florida Senate Page Program and crossed paths with Rep. Anna Eskamani, who became her primary inspiration and mentor. Eskamani offered Maniar an internship, shaping her perspective on legislative operations.

In the tumultuous summer when Roe v. Wade was overturned, Maniar dedicated herself to advocating for reproductive rights through demonstrations and events, an experience that profoundly marked her journey in politics.

[Maniar also discussed her endeavors in rebuilding the Florida High School Democrats and the Florida College Democrats, culminating in her chairpersonship.]

During her senior year, she focused on engaging adults to empower high school and college students to enhance voter turnout in 2024, stressing the need for adult support and resources.

Regarding the Dobbs decision, could you elaborate on your response to it, from when you first heard about it to your ongoing initiatives?

Maniar recounted the shock and immediacy of response within Rep. Eskamani’s office upon learning of the Dobbs decision. The subsequent rally planning, events, and outreach resulted in an unexpectedly massive community response, with thousands attending the rally. This experience underscored the broadening engagement of civically inclined individuals in Central Florida and their fervor to participate in advocacy.

The post-Dobbs efforts emphasized engaging a diverse audience and highlighting the universal significance of abortion access. Maniar emphasized the importance of educating voters on ballot initiatives and advancing public awareness regarding legislative representation.

The emergence of abortion as a prominent issue among Florida students, particularly regarding the upcoming ballot initiative, reflects a profound engagement and a call for legislative alignment with public interests.

Initiatives like voter registration drives in schools targeted 18-year-olds to ensure participation in the ballot initiative and surpass the necessary thresholds.

What impact do you foresee the abortion ballot measure having on youth voters come November?

The presence of the abortion ballot measure, alongside a charismatic candidate like Kamala Harris, promises heightened engagement among youth voters in Florida. Maniar expressed optimism that the heightened enthusiasm around these issues will translate into significant turnout and influence down-ballot races.

Anticipating increased youth voter turnout in the range of 18 to 29 due to the confluence of abortion rights, recreational marijuana legalization, and Kamala Harris’s appeal, Maniar underscored the concerted outreach efforts aiming for success in the November elections.

The proactive engagement with youth voters on critical issues like abortion referendum sets a precedent for broader civic involvement and informed decision-making.

When engaging with young voters through tabling and petitions, what feedback have you received regarding the ballot measure and the broader discourse on abortion and its impact on the ongoing political landscape?

The ballot measure on abortion resonates significantly with youth voters seeking autonomy and empowerment in the face of authoritarian political tendencies, particularly in Florida. Maniar emphasized the alignment of the ballot initiative with broader civic engagement initiatives.

For youths in states without similar ballot measures addressing abortion this November, what message would you convey to them?

Maniar encouraged youths in states without imminent abortion ballot measures to galvanize community organizing efforts, emphasizing the collective power of voices and actions to effect change. Empowering young individuals to engage proactively in advocacy and participation forms the cornerstone of realizing impactful social transformations.

Aside from abortion, what other issues are stirring significant interest among young voters this election cycle?

Issues like housing affordability, job opportunities, property insurance, education, and gun control emerge as critical concerns among Florida’s youth demographic. The confluence of economic challenges, educational reforms, and social justice issues resonates strongly with young voters grappling with multifaceted challenges.

Floridians, especially youth populations confronting the aftermath of tragic incidents like the Pulse shooting and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, foreground gun control as a pivotal issue, alongside educational reforms targeted at public institutions. Furthermore, the LGBTQ community’s advocacy initiatives underscore the diverse concerns shaping the electoral discourse.

Will the upcoming November elections mark your inaugural voting experience?

Yes, I recently voted in the August primary, marking a pivotal moment as a first-time voter.

How did you feel participating in your first election as a voter?

Maniar cherished the experience of casting her first vote, commemorating the occasion with tangible reminders. After dedicating significant efforts to advocacy, the act of voting represented a transformative step towards active civic engagement, building anticipation for the upcoming November elections