By Emma Bracken

As the 2024 presidential election looms in the near future, college students are making their voices heard and passionately preparing to cast their vote in November. As the face of a new generation of scholars, historians, politicians and citizens, young adults are stepping into their crucial role in our democracy. According to Tuft University, students make up a large enough percentage of votes to largely shape the outcomes of elections. 

The Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School released a poll that revealed over 50% of students intend to cast their vote this fall. However, student voters have not always had a great turnout, with numbers dipping particularly low during the 2022 election cycle. According to the University of Michigan, a survey of over 1,000 colleges and universities across the country showed about 30% of students voted. 

At the same time, this demographic is being educated and emboldened as they make their way into the world. University of Arkansas student Ashven Scott said he believes it is essential for this group to have a voice in the government that plans their future.

“Youth voters are incredibly historically underrepresented when it comes to the voting polls,” Scott said. “Conversely, this age group is the future of government and society. “The laws and regulations built by each election cycle’s participants dictate the lives of this age group for decades to come.”

With yard signs, posters and billboards popping up across Northwest Arkansas, the urgency of this year’s election is inescapable. Though political tension has hurt voter turnout in the past, this year seems to be brimming with passion and excitement, especially from the younger generation. 

On campus, students are finding ways to prepare and get educated, whether that is coming together to watch and discuss the debates or setting up tables with voting and registration resources. Both the student body and the larger community are gearing up to make sure the county’s future is one they are proud of. 

For U of A student Meghan Lucas, voting is not just a privilege but a duty. 

“It is critical to vote in every election,” Lucas said. “Being a part of a democracy demands that you have a right to give an input; those small inputs make an impact.”

Lucas described her understanding that, as a woman, voting has not always been accessible to all American citizens. Especially for those who have just been granted access to the polls in the last century or so, it is imperative that those groups are well-represented and loudly heard.

“I think voting is important for students and for younger generations because all of our laws and political systems are being run by and created by the older generations,” Lucas said. “There is no one in our political systems representing or relating to us.”

Voting is not just a right but, for many, an exciting opportunity. Especially within the population of students, many are voting in their very first presidential election. For years, this generation has had to sit back and watch the country’s fate be dictated by parents and even grandparents. Now, however, is the chance to let the world know the younger generation is here and ready to take charge of their own future. 

“Younger voices bring diverse and fresh perspectives that are necessary in shaping our nation’s future,” student Ella House said. “By voting, we ensure our voices are heard, help protect democracy and influence decisions that shape our future.”

At a university as large and diverse as the University of Arkansas, many students must figure out ways to vote in their home state while studying here in Arkansas. It is imperative for students to understand their options and not be intimidated by out-of-state voting. 

Lucas, an out-of-state student, is setting plans to vote early in-person during fall break. Early voting times vary from state to state, so another option would be to vote by absentee ballot. Students can download their home state’s absentee ballot online or even find one on campus as border state ballots are often available for students to grab in dorm buildings or at pop-up events.

For Lucas, exercising her right to vote is bigger than just checking a box. “It doesn’t sit right with me to let elections go by without me having my input,” she said. “Especially when I know the outcome impacts my rights and human rights.”

House, who changed her residency after moving from St. Louis to Fayetteville, is eager to vote in person on Election Day. With help from professors and campus organizations, she has found preparing for and understanding voting easy. With this support and accessibility, students are able to make sure their vote is cast toward the future they want to build.

“[Information from professors] has been extremely helpful to me and my classmates,” House said. “Voting is important to me because I firmly believe that you have to vote for the change you want and believe in.”

For some, voting can be intimidating and people are not sure if their one vote matters in the larger scheme of things. Especially for college students, who are notoriously busy and fighting off a slew of other stressors in their lives, it can be easy for them to shrug politics off and push it to the side. However, it is important for students to understand their importance and agency that is gifted to them through the process of democracy and feel empowered to take charge within it.

“Peers have told me that they feel like their vote doesn’t matter,” Scott said. “One individual vote is unlikely to change much, but people need to remember that millions of votes are just millions of individual votes.”

In person voting will take place on November 5 across the country. Go to Vote.org to find your polling place and more information about early and absentee voting in your home state.