The University of New Haven is home to a variety of nationalities, creeds, and political views, which makes it a diverse campus. Students are now able to make their voices heard by voting in the upcoming presidential election. According to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, nearly 40.8 million Gen Z-er’s will be eligible.
Currently, eight states have more registered young voters in September 2024 than they did in November of 2020, according to the civic engagement center, and the number of young people getting involved and ready to vote is steadily increasing.
University students seem ready and excited to vote. Caitlyn McNally, a senior forensic science student, is a first-time voter. She said that during the 2020 election, she was just a few weeks shy of being eligible to vote.
“I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to make a difference.” McNally said, “It was crazy, being so invested in the election, then not being able to do anything about it because my birthday is two weeks after. It was a close race, and not being able to vote made me feel helpless and hopeless.”
This time around, people such as McNally, who found themselves active in politics but unable to vote, are able to step into the booth.
“I got my mail-in ballot request form in August, just sent it in.” McNally said, “I’m 21. I’m ready to vote for Kamala Harris. I’m voting for Harris because I agree with some of her policies, especially more than Trumps. I think it’d be good to see a woman in office. I’m tired of these old men, let’s see some young blood.”
Even students who may not follow politics have strong opinions on the upcoming election. Megan Jenkins, another senior forensics science student, had her opinions changed about voting after watching the presidential debate.
“I’m indifferent to voting,” Jenkins said, “I feel like it’s a lose-lose situation. Then I watched the second debate and […] said, ‘Huh this really sucks.’”
Some young voters say they feel that the election is about choosing the best of the worst, as Jenkins does. Some new voters are finding that the policies they feel strongly about are not the main focus of candidates. Jenkins understands this and said she feels strongly that a change needs to be made.
“I’m endorsing Kamala,” Jenkins said, “because even just focusing on the debate and knowing nothing about politics, Trump comes off as a…not nice person who doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
Other students such as Dylan Sutherland, a mechanical engineering sophomore, are excited about being able to cast their ballot next month, and have been anticipating this moment.
“I’m excited to see change be made.” Sutherland said, “I’m not really happy with how things are going right now. This is the first time that I am able to make my voice be heard, and that’s exciting. I’m voting for Trump because he’s the change we need. I’m ready to see what he can do, again.”
Be sure to check your local polling information and get registered for a mail-in ballot if necessary. Your home state’s Secretary of State’s office has the details.
