Young voters are excited to vote this fall because it’s their first time, while also being nervous of how important their vote is.
The fact that they could be the generation to elect the first female president of the United States has some energized. They also are excited to finally have a say about issues such as women’s rights. On the other hand, some remain undecided over who will get their votes come Election Day.
During Welcome Day last month, The Commuter spoke with a number of students about voting, primarily asking two questions:
Is this the first time that you are voting? Yes or no?
Who or what are you most interested in voting for? Why?
Twenty-one students took the survey, which brought a variety of answers. For the first question, two-thirds of students – 14 out of 21 – said this is their first time to vote. Of the first-time voters, 11 of them are 18 years old. The oldest first-time voter was 24 years old.
The answers to that second question were varied. The most mentioned answer was split between being excited to have a voice on equal rights and still being undecided.
LBCC’s Student Leadership Council (SLC) staffed a booth on Welcome Day and the first week of school to encourage students to register to vote.
“I think the voter registration went well!” said Will Vellinga, legislative affairs director with the SLC. “We’ve had a lot of support from teachers and volunteers who care about people using their voice to vote for their interests.”
“Something that stood out to me is how jaded the younger population is,” he continued. “It’s interesting that the older you are, the more you care about or believe in our democracy. There are a lot of issues young people could take interest in and vote in favor of bettering their lives here in Oregon, but most think about the presidential election over the far more impactful local elections that affect us directly. The big picture matters but so do the details.”
Elliott and Mika, two 18-year-olds, both said they are “most interested in equal rights for marginalized groups.”
Two more 18-year-olds joined by a 24-year-old said they are still weighing their choices, with one writing, “I haven’t given much thought to who I’m voting for.”
Among the other responses, students said they are concerned about women’s rights, voting for candidates and measures that reflect their beliefs, and that they are “turned off by the other candidate.”
A student named Arcelia said, “I’ll vote based on how my beliefs align with those who run. It isn’t about what party you are with, it’s about doing what’s right!”
The choice of who they would vote for in the presidential race was lopsided in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris. Of the 12 people who wrote down their choice, she received nine votes to three for former President Donald Trump.
Students said they had a feeling of hope for the future with Harris and a belief in her plans for America. Another Welcome Day attendee named LeAnne said she is voting for Trump “because he’s not Kamala.”
Traditionally, voter turnout for primary elections lags behind the general election, at only about 30 percent. General elections usually have a turnout closer to two-thirds of voters.
All ballots must be turned in by 8 p.m. on Election Day, which this year is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Mail-in ballots must arrive at the local elections office or be postmarked by that deadline as well.