With the 2024 presidential election approaching, some Kirkwood Community College students are still undecided about their choice of candidate, but agree that everyone should take the time to review the candidates and cast their vote.
Layne Hansel, elementary education major, said, “Education is really important to me and the policies that relate to that. Healthcare I feel is important but there’s a lot.”
Hansel said she works at a school, so she thinks all the education policies politicians make regarding education impact her and her life.
In regard to what may be at stake for the country in this election, she said, “I’m not sure, I think it will be interesting for sure. I feel like lately politics have kind of divided people a lot and our country is pretty divided so I feel like the outcome will definitely divide our country either way whether it goes Democrat or Republican.”
Hansel added she believes it is extremely important for young people to vote and that is the only way to advocate for promoting change.
Ella Crittenden, a first-year student majoring in English, said, “I think that both candidates are not qualified for the position of presidency. So, I am having a hard time getting excited for this new election.”
Crittenden said she feels the election could affect the economy and people’s ability to afford housing or college tuition.
Crittenden agreed with Hansel, adding she thinks it is important for young people to vote because everyone’s vote matters.
Mackenzie McWhorter, respiratory therapy, believes it is important to vote so that her voice can be heard. She also says chosing the next president is vital to hw our country works.
Andrew Gates, physics, agreed woth McWhorter saying, “I think it’s important to vote because you have the right to vote, you might as well.”
Ethan Foltz and Symon Andrew, who both work at the Kirkwood Bookstore, agreed that voting in the presidental election is critical and they hope there are no bumps in the road with the process.
For example, according to AP News, incendiary devices were recently set off in two ballot drop boxes, one in Portland and another in nearby Vancouver, Wash., destroying hundreds of ballots.
In regard to the outcome of the election, Andrew said he didn’t think it would affect his major too much. He added, “Depending on how the college prices go, if tuition goes up, I feel like there will be a change. I feel it is more on a personal level.”
Foltz and Andrew also said they understand the importance of this election for the younger generation, and encouraged all Kirkwood students to make the time to get out and vote.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5 and there is still time to register to vote. Visit the Iowa Online Voter Registration website or register to vote at the polls on Election Day. If voting early, remember to bring a valid form of identification.
Students can also visit the college’s voter information site at https://www.kirkwood.edu/explore/recreation/voting.
Categories: National News, News
