College Students and Voting: A Connection Worth Making

Written by Ella Kulas

With the election right around the corner, there is no doubt that college students everywhere are being bombarded with information and calls to get out and vote. Undoubtedly, this wave of policy, debates, and news can be quite overwhelming, especially for those who do not regularly follow politics. Furthermore, this is the first presidential election that many college students will be able to participate in, and unfamiliarity may lead to an apathetic attitude about voting. This may be especially true for Connecticut residents, given the state has been solidly Democrat since 1922. If you’re feeling this way, you are not alone. In the 2020 presidential election, only 66% of college students turned out at the polls. However, voting is fundamental to a democracy, and it is not an overstatement to say that it may be the most important thing that you do this year.

While many of us take voting for granted, unless you are a white, land-owning man, the right to vote was something that those before you had to fight tooth and nail to obtain. Those who have a say in how the government acts understand the importance of that voice, and have fought for centuries to keep it away from those who may disagree with them. If our vote was irrelevant, voter suppression would be too. However, there are countless campaigns designed to stop people, especially college students, from voting. Voting by mail deadlines have become narrower, ID requirements have become exponentially more strict, and voter purges, where registered voters are removed from voting lists, have become increasingly more common nationwide.

While the presidential election receives the majority of the attention in the news cycle, state and local politics are incredibly important, and can arguably have a greater impact on day to day life. Sure, the Electoral College system has allowed a Democratic majority to carry Connecticut for the past 30 years, but the president is not the only decision on the ballot. This year, along with the presidential candidate, voters will decide on a U.S. and State senator, a U.S. and State representative, and a registrar of voters. Additionally, there is a proposed amendment to the Connecticut Constitution on the ballot, that if passed, would allow for any registered CT voter to vote absentee. There may also be similar referenda on the ballot regarding local issues, depending on where in CT you are registered. Each of these elections is decided by popular vote, and are not guaranteed to go a certain way by any means. For example, in the Fifth Congressional District in 2022, Democrat Jahana Hayes defeated Republican George Logan by a margin of only 2,000 votes. In close races such as these, no single vote is ever irrelevant.

Our Constitution begins with “We the people,” as does our government. Its actions begin with us. When those who have power attempt to convince you that your voice does not matter, and it works, you sacrifice your freedom. You lose the fundamental rights that those before you fought for. Died for. This opportunity to tell the government what you want, and force them to listen only comes around once a year. Don’t squander the opportunity. Vote.

P.S. here is a link with information about the candidates to help you make an informed decision: CT voter guide to 2024 election: Key races, ballot question

Featured image by Ella Kulas