Will Temple students exercise their right and go out to vote?

WRITTEN BY: NICK CHARLES

Although it seems far off, the upcoming presidential election will be here before we know it. For many current college students, this will be the first election in which they have the opportunity to vote.

However, lately there has been a large discussion regarding college-age citizens and voting – or lack thereof. According to an article in the Washington Post regarding millennials and voting, “18- to 24-year-olds are often among the smallest percentage of the electorate. However, they could produce the largest impact of the vote.”

Reaffirming the Washington Post’s statement, Jason Yoder, a graduate student states that he is not going to vote. “I cannot find myself to trust any of the candidates,” Yoder said. “Plus, I find that both parties have their flaws and there will be repercussions with everything each one of them promises.” Yoder believes that many candidates have lost younger generations’ trust, therefore resulting in less of a desire to vote.

Contrary to Yoder, senior Tyler Howie is planning on voting and is excited about it. Howie currently has his eyes set on Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. “I’m feeling the Bern. What he says speaks to me. I really like his plans of fixing the institutionalized racism as well as his ideas of correcting the criminal justice system.”

Freshman Emily Rose Ristein is also certain of who she will be giving her support. “I am going to vote for Bernie Sanders. I agree with his policies on health care and social programs,” Ristein said. “I also find him very honest and sincere. Like he says, he’s not owned by Wall Street.” Ristein is a first time voter who hopes that many freshmen, like her, will go out and vote.

Some students are not so sure about who to vote for and find the current race confusing. For example, David Lu, a senior says, “I will vote, however, I am not sure exactly who yet. I am not informed on everyone’s standing so I have to research them all before I make a decision. The only issue I have is that with this election the candidates seem to be on the edge of extremism on both sides.” This has also been an issue with many young voters as they’re just simply unsure.

Despite the high level of uncertainty among young voters, Lu highly encourages every student to do their research and go out and vote, “The voice of the people needs to be heard. If you don’t vote, it’s almost like you are doing your country a disservice. You have the right so every American citizen should take advantage of that.”