Texan Mosaic

Story by Chloe Crittendon COMM 2311.001/News Writing

College students have lower voting percentages than its out-of-college counterparts. According to Tufts College Circle, only 42% of youth ages 18-29 voted in the 2024 election. Which is 10% lower than the 2020 election. Less than half of the 2024 youth voters were college students.

With the rise of social media and faster traveling news, students in the U.S. have been protesting for various topics, including abortion rights and the war on Gaza. Despite their vocality, when the time comes to vote, their urgency is lost.

“One of the key inhibitors from people doing anything is knowing what to do…and how to do that,” Drew Landry, an assistant professor of government, at South Plains College said.

Being able to vote is a key element in a democratic society. Voting enables citizens to have a say about who and what represents them. While posting on social media, protesting, and boycotting are valid tools in voicing political concerns, casting a vote could be that deciding factor. Despite the importance voting plays, many citizens, including college students, may be unaware of how the voting process works.

“Younger people unfairly get categorized as being lazy or not paying attention to politics, but there’s data to show that young people are engaged in politics. The challenge with young people is that voting in many cases, depending on the state, can be difficult,” Dr. Jonathan Martin, an instructor of government at South Plains College, said.

Many college students travel away from their hometowns for school and are unaware that they’ll have to reregister under their new county. Others are unsure where they can go to register and have no idea what forms or IDs they’ll need to do so. There are also students who would vote but may not have enough context on what they’re voting for.

“I think that young people just overwhelmingly feel like they don’t have enough sense to vote or have maybe been belittled by older generations and authority into thinking that they don’t have the sense or wit to make a vote that is substantial…that matters,” SPC student Zachary Gonzales said.

Unlike the youth participants, older generations make up the majority of numbers when it comes to the election polls. This prompts candidates to cater more toward the needs of older demographics, dismissing the youth.

“There’s not as much of an incentive for elected officials to look at issues related to student loans, funding for college, because they know if they ignore those issues, they’re less likely to be punished for it,” Dr. Martin said.

Young adults in the United States seem held back by their lack of civic insight. Even if they do have adequate knowledge, they’re still in a confidence deficit when it comes to making a change.

College students can become more politically active by participating in student government and advocacy groups. Local volunteering can also get them involved by learning about how specific issues affect people and what they can do to help. Through these experiences, students might find that voting is less daunting than they think.

“I think we can instruct and inspire young people to be more politically active without making it seem like you have to be on a presidential stage,” Gonzales said. Young adults have a fresh perspective and have the power to shape the future of our society. Tufts College Circle created a poll post-2034 election which tallied together the top three issues voting youth wanted changed. 64% of said youth chose cost of living/inflation. This was followed by healthcare (27%) and climate change/environmental condition (26%.)

This data highlights that there is growing concern and awareness among the youth surrounding these issues. As students talk to their friends, educate themselves, and share on social media about the power of political engagement, they know they’ll play a part in the change. Landry says, “it brings a sense of accomplishment.”

“If you’re not the one deciding, then someone else will decide for you,” Professor Landry said.

While the 2024 presidential election might be over, there are elections happening every year that with participation from college students could impact the outcomes they see in their daily lives. From choosing school board members and city councils to state elected officials, there are opportunities everywhere for students to have a say in what happens next.