The presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump takes place on Nov. 5. Voters will be able to cast their ballots and vote for the candidate they believe is best fit to hold office.
When interviewed on the Cartersville and Floyd campuses on Sept. 17 and 18, students were asked who they are planning to vote for. Students who answered shared their thoughts on Trump, Harris or why they were not voting at all.
Trump supporters agree with his stance on subjects such as anti-abortion and immigration issues as reasons for their support. They also align with his views on inflation and want to see his plan to address it followed through.
Other students who chose to vote for Harris gave multiple reasons for their decision. Harris supporters pointed to her stance on women’s rights and the rights of queer citizens. They also support her plan to assist with the financial issues of the middle class.
“Right now, a lot of people are struggling compared to those with higher incomes,” student Irene Gomez said.
Though many people choose one side or the other, a large number of students stated that they do not want to vote at all.
Many students interviewed shared this perspective and were unsure of whom to vote for because they were uninformed about either of the candidates.
A few students shared their views on why they choose not to vote. Some said they feel there is a limited pool of candidates. Others believe that politics have become so messy that students avoid it.
“It’s almost like you have to vote for a lesser evil at this point,” student Andre Toledo said.
Many students report feeling overwhelmed by the current political landscape, leading some to choose not to participate in elections. This decline in voter participation can significantly affect the overall voter turnout, which can impact the outcome of elections.
Changes may be needed to address this issue, including increasing citizens’ motivation to vote and addressing the complexities of the political landscape.