Today marks the first step into civil life for many students as they cast their ballots for the first time in a presidential election.
With polls showing a tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, every vote will impact the results.
“I feel like I have some power since it is such an important election,” said Khori Davis, a sophomore sociology major. “I feel like I have a say and like I’m doing my part to influence it.”
With her “I Voted” sticker in hand, Davis said she voted this morning. It was her first time voting in a presidential election, which she said was a surreal experience.
Growing up watching her parents vote, she said she was happy to finally be able to do so herself. Her experience was one that she said she will remember for a long time.
“I honestly feel like this will be a story-time for my kids where I’m just like ‘I remember back in the day,’” Davis said.
Although Davis is optimistic, she said she is also anxious. Regardless of who wins, she said she feels something is going to happen, and somebody is going to be angry.
Nyla Everett, a freshman psychology student, expressed the same fear.
“I’m kind of anxious to know what the results will be, what’s going to happen and what’s to come for the future,” Everett said.
Davis said she feels safe in certain spaces on campus, but not in general. Everett said she does feel safe on campus but is still nervous.
Also a first-time voter, she cast her ballot two days ago. She said she was glad to be able to have an impact.
She described voting as the privilege to have an opinion. She encouraged other students to take advantage of this and get out and vote.
Howard Marsh, a senior history major, chose to not vote this year.
He said he is indifferent to Election Day, and he does not believe politicians should be trusted.
“I think as a people, we need to understand that, yes, politicians … want to do what’s best for us, but at the same time, they really don’t,” Marsh said.
He said he would be placing his hope in his faith instead of the candidates.
Davis said she feels everyone should be voting today.
“No matter who you vote for, go vote,” she said. “It’s your right, you should exercise it. There are some people who don’t have that right, some people who wish they could, but can’t. Make sure you go out and vote.”
Voting closes today at 7:30 p.m. More information can be found here.
Lauren Cohen is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
