By Sophie Kilbride
Opinion Editor
Recent polls by the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School show a worrying trend: voter turnout among 18 to 29-year-olds will likely fall from record numbers in 2020.
As the presidential election in November draws closer, this decline is troubling. The youngest eligible voters have an enormous responsibility at the ballot box; with many residing on college campuses, student votes can help shape a more representative and informed American democracy.
According to the Education Data Initiative, the attendance of non-white students enrolled at colleges and universities has increased by over 185% since 1976. Furthermore, 48.4% of college students identify as something other than white or caucasian.
These statistics display the diversity of the college demographic, a group that is driven and capable of producing substantial change. With college enrollments becoming more equitable regarding race, gender, and socioeconomic status, students’ votes can transform the face of modern politics.
Even so, their voices were traditionally underrepresented in past elections. A study by Coastal Carolina University found that college-aged voters are the most susceptible to political apathy. Addressing the roots of this apathy is crucial because student engagement can revitalize old political issues, such as educational reform and student debt.
The student body’s lack of civic involvement is often attributed to the complexity of voter registration, busy academic schedules, and a general sense of detachment or disinterest from American politics.
However, the barriers to student voting are no match for its benefits. The amplification of student voices is more important than ever, and by casting their ballots, students can ensure that their concerns are addressed at the national level.
Due to their dual residency status, college students in particular are uniquely positioned to impact the election directly. When out-of-state students register to vote, they have dual residency, meaning they can register back home or at school. While registering in one’s college state might seem more convenient, understanding the implications of this choice is essential.
As students decide whether to register at home or school, they should consider local issues that affect their communities and how they could impact policies in their place of study.
For instance, if they are from a swing state or state with a record of high political stakes in elections, they should request a mail-in ballot from home. Washington College students from states such as Pennsylvania may find that their votes are more impactful at home than in states like Maryland, which has a historical record of voting predominantly blue. In such cases, keeping politics in mind when making these choices could help influence the election on a broader scale.
The upcoming election presents a chance for student voters to set a precedent. In 2020, first-time voters turned up in record-breaking numbers at the polls. Young voters have made strides in closing the generational gap between polling disparities throughout the past few presidential elections. Four years later, there is no reason why their momentum should become an anomaly.
November is fast approaching, and ultimately, it is up to Generation Z to make their voices heard when it really counts.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Photo Caption: The voices of young, college voters will be crucial in the 2024 presidential election.