Elissa Collopy
eac001@marietta.edu
During last week’s voting polls, it was apparent that not very many college-aged students went to vote.
Students cited a wide array of reasons for not voting, ranging from those who said it was not important to them, to those who were from out of state and didn’t know what to do, to things such as simply not having the time or knowledge of politics.
Civic Engagement Coordinator Cristie Thomas said two of the most common statements she hears from students is that their vote doesn’t actually make a difference, or that they are uneducated and don’t have the time or know-how to change that.
“I understand this, though, because the political atmosphere is scary,” Thomas said. “Everyone has an opinion, facts are distorted, the “us versus them” mentality is encouraged more than it’s challenged, and quite frankly, it can all be very overwhelming.”
Regarding numbers, the Office of Civic Engagement had seven students utilize their “Voter Van” to be driven to the polls, Thomas said.
“That being said, I am aware of at least a handful of other students who opted to drive
themselves to the polls, and a much larger number of students either voted
early or by absentee,” Thomas said.
According to senior Taylor Myers, only 13% of people between the ages of 18-29 voted this election.
“Voting is not just a right, but a civic duty,” Myers said.
Senior Madeson Witkosky agrees.
“I think it’s very important to vote because it gives us the opportunity to help make a difference in our nation,” Witkosky said. “As young adults, it’s important to take part in voting because we are the future and the leaders we choose now can affect our lives down the road.”
Some who voted say that although voting is important, if you don’t know the people running, what they stand for, or what they plan to do for the state, you shouldn’t be voting.
“Making sure you are educated on which candidates best represent your personal interests and the best interests of your campus, community, country, and world are critical,” Myers said.
Thomas said accessing information regarding ballot issues is not usually a friendly process, and very few politicians who campaign target the youth demographic.
“Students who are politically inclined often go above and beyond their own capacity to
become engaged and learn about the issues,” Thomas said.
If youth knew just how very much their vote makes a difference and if civic education was made more accessible, Thomas thinks all of MC’s students would vote.
“All MC students care and have a future they are already investing in with a college education,” Thomas said.
Even with these obstacles between the youth demographic and the election polls, the younger generation should take part in their future, Witkosky said.
“I encourage everyone to vote, especially the younger generation, because it can shape our future,” Witkosky said.
