As the newest members of our democracy, young adults’ voices are especially important this election season. For many college students, this will be their first chance to vote in a Presidential election, giving them the power to influence key issues that affect their lives. From climate change to student debt, young voters have the opportunity to shape the future by showing up at the polls and making their voices heard. Here’s why your vote matters and how to make sure you’re ready for Election Day.
How to Register
First things first: voter registration in New York ends on October 26th. If you’re not registered yet or want to check your registration status, click HERE. To see the full list of each state’s registration deadlines, click HERE.
If you prefer not to register online, you can easily do it right on campus. Visit the NYPIRG office in Corey Union, Room 217, located next to the Info Center in the SGA Office wing. It’s a quick and simple way to register without having to leave campus.
Email Jefferson.Byrd@cortland.edu for more information!
Voting in Cortland
Living in a college town, voting might seem complicated, but it’s easier than you think. If you’re already registered at your home address and worried about absentee ballots, don’t stress—you can register to vote right here in Cortland. Voting as a SUNY Cortland student can be as simple as walking to Park Center and casting your ballot there. This option allows you to vote locally without the hassle of dealing with absentee ballots.
The Power of Young Voters
Historically, young adults have voted at lower rates compared to older generations. However, since 2014, SUNY Cortland has increased voter registration among students by nearly 70%, though there’s still room for growth. In 2024, voters aged 18-34 will make up over 40 million potential voters—nearly one-fifth of the American electorate.
Many students feel that their vote doesn’t matter, but recent elections have shown that outcomes can be decided by just a few votes.
“The decisions will be made regardless of whether you’re involved or not, but I think you’re gonna like the outcome more if you’re involved,” said Dr. Joseph Anthony, an assistant professor in political science at SUNY Cortland.
If you don’t vote, your voice isn’t heard, and college students have the potential to be a key constituency in every election. With millions of students eligible to vote, your collective voice can make a significant difference. The 2024 election is expected to be highly competitive, and every vote counts.
SUNY Cortland’s Commitment to Voter Engagement
During a panel hosted at SUNY Cortland about voting, SUNY Chancellor King emphasized “We try to be very clear at SUNY that civic engagement within students is core to our mission.”
The panel focused on SUNY’s efforts to increase student voter registration and participation in elections. You can read more about the panel HERE.
Educating Yourself Before Election Day
But just knowing how to vote isn’t enough – you should be voting as an informed and educated individual.
SUNY Cortland President Bitterbaum put it best when he said “Civic engagement means more than just showing up to vote one day each year. It means educating ourselves.”
Don’t just rely on what people around you are saying—do your own research. Understanding the candidates and issues on the ballot is crucial to casting an informed vote.
If you don’t know, the two major party candidates for the 2024 Presidential Election are former President Donald Trump (R) and current Vice President Kamala Harris (D).
To get a general understanding of each candidate’s core values, check out a breakdown by NBC HERE and one by AP News HERE.
Harris and Trump also faced off in a debate last month, which gave many viewers clarity on who they wanted to vote for. Watch the full program HERE to ensure you are informed on each candidate’s viewpoints’ on critical issues this election like women’s rights, immigration, and climate change. ABC, who hosted the debate, also fact-checked both Harris and Trumps’ claims, which you can read HERE.
Additionally, it’s important to examine the Vice Presidential candidates selected by each party. Trump has chosen JD Vance, a U.S. Senator from Ohio, as his running mate, while Harris has selected Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota since 2019.
To get an understanding of the debate between the two Vice Presidential candidates, watch the full program HERE and see a breakdown by NPR HERE
The Clock is Ticking
With less just over 30 days until Election Day, the Dragon Chronicle urges you to educate yourself and exercise your right to vote on November 5th. Our future is on the ballot, and your voice can make a difference.