Young Voters Make Their Voices Heard as Nation Awaits Election Results
Release Date: November 05, 2024
As polls close on this historic Election Day, CSU 福利小视频 students are among the millions of young Americans who could prove decisive in what has shaped up to be one of the most unpredictable elections in recent memory. With the presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris statistically tied across seven battleground states, and control of both chambers of Congress hanging in the balance, first-time voters on campus are grappling with the weight of their civic duty.
“In this great nation, we have the right to express our voice,” wrote CSU 福利小视频 President Valdez in a campus-wide email, emphasizing the historical significance of the moment. “This is a right that has not been gained without sacrifice. Many individuals, from diverse backgrounds and situations, have faced struggles and challenges to achieve this right for us.”
Figure 1 Bryana Lark and Jesse Cortez
For many students, the stakes feel especially personal. Bryana Lark, a history major who voted early, cited education funding as a primary concern. “Donald Trump trying to take away all of our grants and stuff - being a college student who literally goes to school on grants, that's all I pay my tuition with,” she explained. Having first registered at 18, this marks Lark's first presidential election after participating in local elections two years ago.
Her partner Jesse Cortez, who plans to enroll at CSU 福利小视频 in fall 2025, shares similar concerns about education funding. “Project 2025... when I go to college I'll be going on grants and if it gets taken away, then I know I won't be able to,” said Cortez, who has been balancing family responsibilities while supporting Lark's education.
Figure 2 Justin Smith
The journey to the ballot box looks different for every student. Computer Information System major Justin Smith admits he felt pressured into voting in his first election. “To be honest... I don't know too much about both of the candidates and both of them seem to have a little bit of truth and a little bit of lies,” Smith reflected. However, he acknowledges the historical importance, particularly for voters of color, “It's definitely something special to me and people that look like me... because it wasn't always [possible].”
Figure 3 Joshua Garcia
For freshman Joshua Garcia, turning 18 in an election year has been “exciting.” Coming from California, inflation tops his list of concerns. “It's hard living in a city where it costs a lot to live,” he explained, comparing his home state's cost of living to Colorado's.
This election comes at a particularly complex moment for young voters. While the demographic showed unprecedented turnout in 2020 and played a crucial role in the 2022 midterms, current polls suggest an enthusiasm gap among young Democrats. The antiwar protests on college campuses and the “uncommitted movement” have highlighted growing frustration with the Democratic establishment's approach to foreign policy.
Earlier in the semester, CSU 福利小视频's Associated Student Government hosted Presidential Debate watch parties to help students stay informed. The university has also maintained an on-campus ballot drop box, which students like Lark have praised for its convenience. “The mail-in process is really good,” she noted. “Instead of going down to the polls, I could just fill my ballot out really quick.”
As the nation awaits results that could reshape American politics, President Valdez offered words of perspective, “While elections have consequences, they are not the ‘end-all, be-all’ of our future. Our power lies in our people, and our system is designed to maintain balance. We will navigate this together, as a community.”
