Being able to vote for the first time is an exciting, significant moment, but the 2016 election creates mixed feelings in young voters. There’s a lot to consider with both candidates, so I asked Chapman University students how they feel about being a first-time voter in this election:
Mollie Thomas, freshman
“Honestly, I feel pretty nervous. Certain candidates genuinely scare me and others I’m not wildly excited about, so it’s hard to be excited to vote when I should be. I’m disappointed this is the first election many millennials are voting in because it sets a terrible precedent. We are the future of this nation, so I would really hate for this huge distrust in government many people have to last; that certainly won’t help us to put our country is on the right track.”
D.J. West, freshman
“I think it’s rigged and it’s annoying. I just want it to be over and all I wanted was for Bernie to win.”
Maya Dengel, freshman
“I’m really excited to have a say and be able to cast my ballot for the first time, however I’m pretty disappointed in this election. I feel like our country has a lot more to offer and it’s not being represented by our current candidates. This election brought out the worst in the American people and I know we are so much more than the hate that’s been spread by certain candidates. It’s dangerous to have a potential president that carelessly makes sexist and racists remarks. I definitely did not picture my first election ending up like this, but I think this is an opportunity for our country to learn that the character of a candidate is more important than their party affiliations. We need more progressive leaders from both Democrats and Republicans that are able to bring the country together instead of dividing us up. I’m hoping to see positive reform with the 2020 election and feel whoever becomes our next president has a lot of work cut out for them. #IMissObama”
Jenna Huskisson, freshman
“I think it’s cool that the first time I’m voting and actually have a voice in politics is for such a controversial and influential election.”
Zoe Jensen, freshman
“Coming from a political family, it is ridiculously exciting to finally be able to exercise my right as a citizen and vote. Considering this election is also extremely controversial, it feels more meaningful to truly believe my vote counts. The problems within our government, candidates and even the relationship between media and politics really makes this election one that will stand out from many.”
Grant Sewell, freshman
“I wish that I could be choosing between better candidates during this election. I was unable to vote in the primary and if I was, I would have voted for a different candidate for the Democratic Party. But, now that I’m stuck between the two major parties, I wish there could be people that are viewed better in the public eye and didn’t have so much history and stigmas with them.”
Ted Davis, freshman
“Horrible. Just alarmed and really terrified. Vote Hillary.”
Benji Berkowitz, freshman
“I feel it to be disappointing and the two candidates don’t have the spark and electability that others have had in the past.”