With a new election season on the horizon, many students at the University of Memphis are preparing to cast their votes, but what exactly is motivating these young adults to participate in the political process? For many, it’s about more than just a sense of civic duty; it’s about shaping a future that reflects their values and addressing issues that directly impact their lives.
For some students, voting is seen as a powerful tool for advocating for the changes they wish to see, both locally and nationally.
“I want to vote in this election because I believe that it is my civic duty to participate in shaping our future as a country. Each election is vital because it impacts policies and decisions that deal with our everyday lives as citizens,” said Jordan Chism, a senior journalism major.
As young adults, many students like Jordan are driven by the desire to see positive changes in both their communities and the nation at large. “There are many issues such as healthcare, education, and even the military, which would all impact my life and future. Voting is a way to advocate for policies and reflect my views,” said Chism.
Nathan Pomerenk, a junior 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. Even though I have little to no respect for the politicians, I do respect the fallen soldiers and their families whose sacrifice allows everyone 18 and up a chance to try to make everyone's lives better.”
This sentiment is echoed by Reagan Williams, a senior biomedical engineering major, who feels a heightened sense of urgency in the current political climate: “I want to vote in this election because I feel that it is a life-or-death situation. Basic human rights are on the line, and I would like to go into 2025 knowing that there is a president with decorum and the ability to empower the American people instead of oppress them.”
This election seems to carry a sense of urgency that wasn’t as prominent before, with students paying more attention to healthcare, student loan reform, and the current state of the economy.
“Yes, this election feels a little different,” said Chism. “There is a lot more at stake, such as social and economic issues. There’s a sense of urgency with these topics that weren’t very prominent in past elections.”
For Sarai Bennett, a senior broadcast journalism major, this urgency is also about safeguarding democracy. “I am voting because I feel our democracy is being severely threatened. There are laws in place now that are hindering women’s rights and favoring less gun control. Therefore, my biggest motivation is seeing that I have a voice and can see the change that I’m wanting to see if I just cast my ballot.”
One of the key concerns raised by students is the lack of representation for their generation in government. Many believe that older generations hold the majority of decision-making power, which can lead to policies that don’t adequately address younger voters’ needs.
“I don’t believe that young people are adequately represented in government,” Chism said. “Older generations are usually the ones to make decisions, and they may not fully understand the concerns and priorities of younger people.”
While misinformation is a concern for voters of all ages, it poses a particular challenge for young adults navigating today’s complex media landscape. Staying informed is essential, and many students rely on a combination of news outlets, social media, and candidate websites to form their opinions.
“I stay informed by watching presidential debates, reading the news, checking official websites, and sometimes social media, although I ensure to verify the credibility first,” said Chism.
For Reagan Williams, an out-of-state student, the challenge is logistical.
“I am an out-of-state student, so deciding whether to do an in-person absentee ballot or a mail-in absentee ballot has been difficult. However, I plan to call my hometown’s circuit clerk office to decide what would be best for me. I will not let this obstacle stop me from allowing my voice to be heard.”
Another factor shaping young voters’ decisions is the impact of local elections. While national races often dominate the headlines, local policies can have a more immediate effect on daily life, influencing everything from public safety to education.
“Local elections impact our day-to-day lives in ways we might not always realize, like decisions about public transportation, school funding, and even how safe our communities are,” said Cameran Crutcher, a senior broadcast journalism and fashion design double major. “While national elections get more attention, local officials make decisions that directly affect things like housing, infrastructure, and local laws. These are the changes we feel immediately, and they can often be more responsive to community needs.”
Chism also emphasized the significance of local elections.
“They influence decisions on public safety, housing, and infrastructure, which are things I interact with daily,” said Chism.
Despite the barriers, students like Chism, Crutcher, and Pomerenk are encouraging their peers to recognize the power of their vote and its potential to drive meaningful change.
“I’d tell young adults who believe their vote doesn’t matter that every vote contributes to a collective decision,” Cameran said. “While it might seem like one vote is small, elections—especially local ones—can be decided by just a few votes. Also, voting is a way to voice your opinion on issues that directly affect your life. If we don’t participate, we leave those decisions in the hands of others who may not share our views or understand our experiences.”
