By Jarrett George
CCC Journalism Program
Some first-time voters at Camden County College are on edge about the two major, controversial candidates for president but also are excited about the ability to make their voice heard.
Youth voter turnout has been rising in the last decade but still remains low, according to data from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement Circles at Tufts. With an estimated 8 million first-time voters this year, grabbing the attention of young voters may be more important than ever.
“They care more about their financial gain and well-being than my vote, so why should I give it?” said communications major Corey Avery about voting in 2024.
Gavin Schiavone, a criminal justice major who feels there is very much a reason to vote, said not voting “creates a void of non-voters.” Schiavone added students should “vote to restore our country. As upside down as things feel right now, there’s no reason to not vote in the 2024 election.”
He wasn’t the only student who expressed how one should approach the election as important. Audio production major Owen Brown stated, “It’s our right as Americans to express how we feel internally and not just pretend we can’t do anything about it. It’s ludicrous to think your vote doesn’t matter or not to vote.”
Voters age 18 to 29 say they primarily use Tik Tok to keep up to date with the 2024 election, according to a Nation article by Nikole Rajgor and Lucy Tobier.
Vice President Kamala Harris is even using social media to connect with the youth. On top of organizing events at various college campuses, she also is having random pop-ins at the hot local bar or concert hall, “the goal being to meet and motivate as many people as possible.” Harris also appeared on the podcast Call Her Daddy hosted by Alex Cooper. They discussed topics that appeal to female voters, including abortion laws and domestic violence, and she appealed directly to young people.
Where one candidate focuses on the youth and potential swing of younger voters directly, former President Donald Trump can be found on various podcasting platforms such as Bussin With The Boys, The Joe Rogan Experience and This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von. These podcasts appeal to younger voters and first-time voters, especially male first-time voters.
Brown said he believes “everyone should want to vote but more importantly know why and who you’re voting for.” He said he feels it’s important now more than ever because while the nation has had “rough times, now we can do something about it and changes need to be made.”