A recent survey among 24 Oakland University students took place to find out on average how many students exercise their right to vote and how many participate in learning about the candidates. Young adults arguably have the lowest amount of voters in terms of age brackets. However, with education, equality, financial security and other debates alike up for discussion, it may be a good idea for students to start paying attention and use their chance to help decide who will benefit them most in office.
Students ages 18 to 22 were asked to fill out a survey asking if they were registered to vote, who they think they’re going to vote for, what policies and parties do they attend to agree with and more. Here are the results:
When students were asked to state why they thought politics were important to them, some anonymous answers included:
“Politics affect our everyday lives. We are in college to get a good job and earn good money. Having a president that cares about our needs will make that easier.”
“When it comes to problems with tuition or taxes that affect myself and my parents when paying for my schooling it is important to me. Also anything having to do with healthcare and planned parenthood because that affects myself and family members.”
“As a soon to be graduating student, the state of the country is important to me because it determines my likelihood of getting a job, social security fund, buying a house, etc. All these issues that seem like they aren't important to you now will highly influence your life in the future.”
In conclusion, about half of the students said they are registered to vote, they have an idea of who they’d like to vote for, and that their candidate in mind fairly represents policies for issues that matter to them. It is important for student voters to be aware of what is happening in their government. The candidate voted in while these students are in school will be making decisions that will affect education, employment, civil rights, economic climate and more. This will severely stress the decisions and opportunities presented to students entering, currently in or exiting college and joining the workforce. Students have an incredible opportunity to have their thoughts heard and have their opinion counted. Whether they decide to vote in the interest of their family's values or form their own opinion, establishing voting habits as soon as voters are eligible is extremely important for the elections in this country. Students should be encouraged to take an interest in their future and educate themselves in the issues society faces today.
