What is driving UofM student votes this election season?

For some students, voting is seen as a powerful tool to advocate for the changes they want at both the local and national levels.

“I want to take part in this election because I believe it is my civic duty to help shape our future as a country. Every election is critically important because it impacts policies and decisions that impact our daily lives as citizens,” said Jordan Chism, a senior journalism major.

As young adults, many students like Jordan are driven by a desire to see positive change both in their communities and across the country. “There are many issues such as healthcare, education and even the military that would all impact my life and future. “Voting is a way to advocate for policy and reflect my views,” Chism said.

Nathan Pomerenk, a journalism major, also emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made to ensure the right to vote. “I vote because there are soldiers who died to give you this freedom of choice. While I have little to no respect for politicians, I do respect the fallen soldiers and their families whose sacrifice gives everyone 18 and older the chance to try to make life better for everyone.”

This sentiment is echoed by Reagan Williams, a senior biomedical engineering student who feels a heightened sense of urgency in the current political climate: “I want to vote in this election because I feel like it’s a matter of life or death.” Basic human rights are at stake, and I want to go into 2025 knowing there is a president with decency and the ability to empower the American people rather than oppress them.”

This election appears to bring a sense of urgency that wasn’t as strong before, as students pay more attention to health care, student loan reform and the current economic situation.

“Yeah, this election feels a little different,” Chism said. “There is much more at stake, such as social and economic issues. There is a sense of urgency around these issues that have not been very prominent in past elections.”

For Sarai Bennett, a senior broadcast journalism major, that urgency is also about protecting democracy. “I’m voting because I feel like our democracy is under serious threat. There are now laws that hinder women’s rights and encourage less gun control. So my biggest motivation is to see that I have a voice and can see the change that I want to see just by casting my vote.”

One of the students’ main concerns is the lack of representation of their generation in government. Many believe that older generations have the majority of decision-making power, which can lead to policies that do not adequately address the needs of younger voters.

“I don’t think young people are adequately represented in government,” Chism said. “Older generations tend to be the ones making decisions, and they may not fully understand the concerns and priorities of younger people.”

While misinformation is a problem for voters of all ages, it poses a particular challenge for young adults navigating today’s complex media landscape. It’s important to stay informed, and many students rely on a combination of news outlets, social media and candidate websites to form their opinions.

“I stay informed by following presidential debates, reading news, checking official websites and sometimes social media, although I make sure to check credibility first,” Chism said.

For Reagan Williams, a foreign student, the challenge is logistical.

“I am from out of state, so it was difficult to decide whether to vote in person or vote by mail. However, I plan on calling my hometown district office to decide what would be best for me. I will not let this obstacle stop me from making my voice heard.”

Another factor influencing young voters’ decisions is the influence of local elections. While national races often dominate the headlines, local policies can have a more immediate impact on daily life, affecting everything from public safety to education.

“Local elections impact our daily lives in ways we may not always realize, such as decisions about public transportation, school funding and even how safe our communities are,” said Cameran Crutcher, a broadcast journalism and fashion design double major. “As national elections receive more attention, local officials are making decisions that directly impact things like housing, infrastructure and local laws. These are the changes we feel immediately, and they can often be more responsive to the needs of the community.”

Chism also stressed the importance of local elections.

“They influence decisions about public safety, housing and infrastructure, things I deal with every day,” Chism said.

Despite the obstacles, students like Chism, Crutcher and Pomerenk encourage their peers to recognize the power of their voice and its potential to drive meaningful change.

“I would tell young adults who think their voice doesn’t matter that every voice contributes to a collective decision,” Cameran said. “While it may seem like one vote is small, elections – especially local elections – can be decided with just a few votes. Additionally, voting is a way to express your opinion on issues that directly impact your life. If we don’t participate, we leave these decisions to others who may not share our views or understand our experiences.”