A College Student's Vote by Caleb Smith
When I am asked what what got me engaged in politics, my
mind flashes to the 2016 general election. In the weeks leading up to the big
day, I remember watching the news with my grandma and grandpa; I like to credit
them as the main reason I became so interested in politics. As a 13-year-old, I
knew how important this election would be. As the votes on election night
started to roll in, all I could feel was anxiety. As midnight approached, each
dump of votes became more and more crucial to deciding a winner. It wasn’t
until about 3:00 a.m when news networks began to predict that Donald Trump
would become the next president of the United States. Frustration and confusion
began to flood my mind. As a white man in a position of privilege, I feared for
how my friends of color and others who are taken advantage of would be treated
for the next four years. At that moment, I made it my goal to become engaged in
politics to force change and fight for those without a voice.
As you may have noticed, it is now US election season. Aren’t you delighted to have all of your local TV ads flooded with angry campaign messages? Candidates have begun presenting their platforms, stances, and personalities all over the media. While painting the opposite political party and opposing candidate as unfit and unelectable, one key aspect of elections has been lost in transition: making sure everyone votes. That brings to attention one key question that most college students face: does my vote matter?
Of course, your vote matters! College students arguably have more power at the ballot box than any other group of people. In 2020, one in ten eligible voters was from Generation Z. This collective of voters has the power to completely change the trajectory of elections. Additionally, older groups of voters are far less likely to vote and advocate for issues related to college students. By voting in college, you are representing a largely underrepresented portion of society (ThoughtCo 2019). Historically, many elections have been decided by a handful of votes. In 2017, a Virginia House of Delegates Election was decided by a single vote (MentalFloss 2020). If you want more control over your future, it is imperative that you vote.
Often, the lack of progress, bickering, and ignorance of compassion shuns college voters from heading to the polls. Research from 2018 has shown that only around 40% of college students voted in that year’s midterm elections. Although the number is lower than candidates and most of the general public would prefer, voter turnout amongst college students doubled compared to 2014’s midterm elections. The increase in college voter turnout grew larger than that of all Americans. One key factor that increased turnout was encouragement by universities and student organizations on campus to vote. Increasingly, colleges have started programs that help students register to vote, request their ballot, or find the nearest polling place. Voting participation in college also creates a habit in individuals to become lifelong voters (LA Times 2020).
As the midterm elections approach it is essential that you vote. Getting young people to vote can be difficult, but research has shown that college voter turnout is trending in the right direction. Register to vote, request your ballot, and learn about what you’re voting for before Election Day. Each of us carries a unique ability to have our voices heard on November 8th.
References:
https://www.thoughtco.com/why-college-students-should-vote-793055
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/59873/10-elections-decided-one-vote-or-less
**Thank you to Caleb for guest blogging this week, make sure to tune in on Friday for more voting resources related to US elections.
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