Black Men Vote released a new poll on Wednesday, revealing an engagement gap among young Black men in key states ahead of the 2026 midterms.
HIT Strategies, a Washington-based research firm, found in a multi-state survey that while most Black male voters recognize the importance of voting, many remain undecided about participating in this year’s elections, according to a news release.
The findings come from a poll of 1,636 Black men ages 18-45 across Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Carolina. While many are committed to making their voices heard at the ballot box, others remain uncertain about the outcome. This survey is the largest dedicated poll of Black men.
According to the survey, 74% of respondents say they are “almost certain” or “probably” going to vote in 2026. However, 19% report their likelihood of voting is essentially a toss-up, while 7% say they are either probably or definitely not planning to vote.
Despite this uncertainty, 92% still say voting is important, highlighting a gap between civic belief and turnout intention.
Michael Bland, executive director of Black Men Vote, said Black men voters are often misunderstood
The poll participants include a mix of Democrats, independents and Republicans, with a focus on individuals with conservative values who do not identify with MAGA, according to the news release.
Michael Bland, executive director of Black Men Vote, noted that polling shows Black men value voting but often feel excluded from traditional political categories.
“Black men are not politically absent, they are politically misread,” Bland said in a statement released Wednesday. “This research shows that young Black men remain broadly left-of-center, but they do not fit neatly into the political boxes and campaign assumptions that too often define them.”
He continued, “They value voting, but one in four are not yet committed to participating in 2026. That should be a wake-up call: Black men are not a problem to be solved or a bloc to be chased in the final weeks of an election. They are a decisive electorate that has to be respected, understood and engaged year-round.”
How do Black men consume their news?
The poll also identifies a gap between Democratic support in 2024 and future turnout intentions. Some respondents who backed Democrats in the last election cycle now report uncertainty about whether they will vote in 2026, while others remain politically engaged but skeptical of both major parties.
How respondents consume their news was another important factor in the poll. About 44% of young men seek news about current events and politics, and only 6% say they avoid the news altogether, according to the news release.
Ninety percent turned to media outlets like YouTube as a dominant source of political information and cultural content, often competing with news for attention. Respondents showed a stronger preference for music, humor, memes and news content, which compete notably with other interests of Black men, including entertainment, culture, sports, gaming and community discussions.