Where does the motivation to vote stand among young voters?

Campaign signs have been placed in many areas across Augusta. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief 

The mid-term election campaigns across the country are wrapping up as American voters headed to the polls this Election Day, Nov. 8.

In Georgia, gubernatorial candidates Brian Kemp (R), the current governor, and Stacey Abrams (D) have campaigned across the state for months, with Kemp showing a slight lead in many polls. 

The tight senate race between incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock (D) and Herschel Walker (R) shows the possibility of heading into a run-off, as Georgia requires that one candidate obtains more than 50 percent of the vote to win. 

In addition to these races, several local elections are also taking place. These elections often show a smaller turnout among many voters, including college students. 

William Hatcher, chair of the Department of Social Sciences at Augusta University and a political science professor, said that it is often harder to convince younger people to become interested in politics.  

“Young age groups tend historically tend to have the lowest voter turnout,” he said. “A lot of the campaigns focus on older adults. It really makes it less likely that younger folks in the nation have issues that they care about being talked about in elections.” 

The motivation to vote among college students specifically can vary because of multiple factors. One reason is that college students often reside in a place that differs from where they are registered to vote, which can be a potential barrier.  

Despite this, Hatcher said, “Voting among younger adults has been up.” 

Madison Broadwater, a sophomore political science and communication major, said she feels passionate about the opportunity to vote in elections, especially locally.

“I’m a firm believer that local elections impact us more than presidential elections,” she said. 

Madison Broadwater, a sophomore political science and communication major, said this is her third time voting. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

Speaking of local elections, Broadwater said she finds it important to know how funds from taxpayers are spent. 

“The ones that we vote for county wide are actually the ones spending our tax dollars,” she said. “I really like that I get to pick who gets to spend my money.” 

She said that as an individual who takes interest in political matters, she looked at a sample ballot online before making her decision.  

“For me, it was really easy to keep up and stay on to voting,” she said. “I knew who I supported already.” 

With tens of thousands of elected officials in the United States, Hatcher said that Americans have several opportunities to vote, but it can ask a lot of voters. 

“Our election system compared to many other democracies is overly complex,” he said.

According to Hatcher, generational differences can also impact voter motivation.  

“Social pressures across age groups have a huge effect on getting people to vote,” he said. 

Broadwater said she encouraged many of her friends who weren’t registered to vote to do so and educate themselves about the races. 

“I love using social media to encourage voting registration and voting,” she said. “I post all the time about things that I think are important. It’s so fun to see people that are actually willing to go and do their civic duty.” 

She added, “Your voice really does matter. Your voice is even more amplified for something the state level because it truly does impact you.” 

Results from tonight’s election will become available after the polls close at 7 p.m. 

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.