Associate professor says gaps in civics education can leave young voters unprepared

Published October 20, 2026
Image
Photograph of Liberal Arts Building
College of Liberal Arts Building

Matt Lesenyie, an associate professor of political science at Cal State Long Beach, says gaps in civics education can leave young voters unsure about making informed choices. In Spectrum News 1’s report on a Sacramento student mock election, he also noted candidates often overlook issues affecting younger people because they assume youth won’t turn out to vote.

Image
Matt Lesenyie
Matt Lesenyie