Young Voters Talk About the Presidential Election

 

Bronx Residents Want to See Local Impact from Presidential Election

by Eric Arias

For Matthew Delujuces, originally from Staten Island now a Bronx college student, this election seems particularly charged. “I think this election will be fascinating,” he said, pointing to the support Kamala Harris has gained from influencers.

Matthew believes Harris’s candidacy could ignite political interest in younger voters.  He reflected on how both candidates have become polarizing figures.

“We’ve got two experienced candidates, but one’s stirring controversy with every statement,” he said.

Max Rodriguez, a Bronx native, has a more local focus. Disenchanted with national politics, Max places his hope in change through community-level action. “Real impact starts here, in the Bronx. National promises come and go, but local decisions hit home,” he explained. Max sees local elections as a tangible way to address the everyday challenges Bronx residents face, from public services to neighborhood safety.

Meanwhile, Emily De Los Santos, a single mother, views national politics with a deep sense of skepticism. To her, it often feels like “a distraction.” She compared current leaders with figures like Michelle Obama. “Kamala had a chance to make a difference as vice president, but Michelle Obama made waves in education and health as First Lady without holding official power,” she said. She wishes for leaders whose impact is felt beyond words and titles.

Then there’s Christopher Reyes, a freshman at City College and a first-time voter, who embodies the ambivalence many young people feel this election season. “I’m not following the election that closely. I’ll probably just go with who others think is best,” he said. 

 

Some Feel Disconnected from the Politics

by Abe Barrera

“I came to accept that it’s inevitable and my voice doesn’t matter,” said Reina Osorio, a third-year student at The City College of New York (CCNY). Like many students and young adults, she feels pessimistic about voting. “Ever since Trump won, I disconnected myself from politics. It is just entertainment at this point,” she added.

Many students share Reina’s loss of faith and feeling that they are alienated from the democratic process. Others hope that compromise and working together can show a path forward.

Jay Barrera, a high school senior, shares that sense of alienation. “From what I’ve seen in previous elections and even now, I do not feel like my vote would matter,” he said.  Jay, who is not yet legally allowed to vote, added, “It feels like my vote will not change anything in the grand scheme of things.”  He sees a clear disconnect between politics and the younger generations and said, “We need a better way to bridge the gap because students my age do not care about the elections.”

Alex Hurst, a senior at Binghamton University, agreed. “The fact that we even have candidates like Trump running makes the election feel like a joke,” he said.  Alex thinks the presidential race has been more about antics and headlines rather than policy and that left him disillusioned. But he is not entirely pessimistic: “The future looks bleak, but I still hope for a change.”

Gisel Benitez has a more optimistic outlook. The third-year student at Hudson Community College sees the nation at a critical crossroads. “We’re facing major obstacles when it comes to unity and social advancement,” she said.

Gisel talked about the rising cost of living and how it affects ordinary people. “The fight for essential needs like healthcare and education is becoming visible,” she said.  Despite her worries, Gisel remains hopeful: “While there a lot of challenges ahead, I think our future depends on how well we can adapt and work together on these pressing issues.”

 

College Students for Harris

by Madison Francis

HARLEM, New York

 “I want Kamala Harris to win. She’s the better candidate,” said Bradley Dennis, a junior at The City College of New York (CCNY). He and other students we talked with say they feel appalled by the idea of the possible re-election of former President Donald Trump. Yet not everyone is enthusiastic about Vice President Harris. 

On the CCNY campus and at other colleges, some students told us that they plan to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, or refrain from voting. Dennis registered to vote when he turned 18 and has been watching elections since 2016. “We can’t have another Trump situation.” When asked to elaborate, Dennis talked about the storming of the Capitol on January 6th, and the meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Dennis believes Hillary Clinton should have won.

 I don’t know how people can vote for Trump knowing Project 2025 can affect our everyday lives. It’s sickening, I mean there’s a whole link to it,” Dennis said.  Project 2025 was developed by Trump loyalists and conservatives as a blueprint for his presidency if elected. Dennis said, “It is a plan to take away our rights.”

Hawa Sall, a junior at CCNY,  agrees that former President Donald Trump is less desirable than Vice President Kamala Harris. Sall wants Harris to win. Yet surprisingly, Sall is not registered to vote and doesn’t plan to register. She does know the resources are available to her, but doesn’t think her vote is necessary. “I know the person I want to win will,” she said.  She did watch clips of the presidential debate on TikTok. When asked what she will  do if Trump wins, Sall said, “The same thing when he was president, I don’t think my life will change.”

Jada Hosten, a student at The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) said, “I don’t understand why people would want to vote for Trump. She registered to vote for the first time and points to Trump’s lies about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio. “Trump’s statement about Haitian people ‘eating cats and dogs’ was harmful. Haitian children are being kept home, bullying as a result of his statement,” she said.  Hosten believes Harriss’ background as a middle-class woman, adds to her understanding of lower and middle-class struggles, “Her plan on expanding the child tax credit will hugely benefit struggling families.” Hosten is baffled that “A convicted felon  is running for president.” Hosten said, “It’s weird that Trump and JD Vance, Trump’s vice presidential candidate, are focused on Harriss’ race, instead of what society needs.”

Taela Hayward, a New York native attending Louisiana State University said, “I plan on voting for Harris, she is better for education and accessible healthcare.” Hayward said that she has disliked Trump since the 2016 presidential race. “He’s racist and just not a good president,” she said with emphasis. 

Some Feel Frustrated 

by Isangel Acevedo

Many young Americans who will vote for the first time in the upcoming presidential election worry about climate change,  economic uncertainty, and their role in shaping the future.  Destinee Marcion, a 19-year-old college student at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) said, “I think personally… it has been a little mentally straining.  As many would put it, we are voting for  “the lesser of two evils.”

The election has become difficult for many to take seriously because of former President Trump’s  chaotic and ridiculous behavior during the presidential debate in September with Vice President Kamala Harris.  Instead of focusing on important issues, Trump sometimes resorted to personal attacks, exaggerated claims, and theatrical gestures that left some voters feeling frustrated. Trump became a sort of comedic spectacle across social media. 

Some question the way Vice President Harris is treated. Despite a lengthy career in government, Students said Harris, like many female politicians of color, is subject to additional levels of scrutiny and is often the target of attacks on her abilities. “I don’t know why white people find different ways to just dehumanize, black and brown people. I mean the fucking cats and dogs shit people questioning common credentials as if this woman hasn’t spent like a decent chunk of her life working in law,” Marcion said.

The war between Israel and Palestine has increased global tensions and frightens young voters who are impacted by the images of suffering they see on the news.

The United States has historically supplied military and economic assistance to Israel, and those ties are now being scrutinized. While President Joe Biden continues to support Israel, he has faced protests and criticism from those who believe his government has not done enough to push for peace or address humanitarian needs. Mikaela Blount a 20-year-old student at The City College of New York (CCNY) said, “This election is important because people want a president that doesn’t fund genocide. They want somebody that’s not going to sweep it underneath the rug.”

Young Voters See a Bleak Future 

by Jesse Zalk

“It would take a miracle to change my mind on this,” said Ben Borsellino, a 20-year-old computer science major at The City College of New York. Ben supports Vice President Kamala Harris in the race against former President Donald Trump. He said, “He could never imagine anyone voting for anyone else.”

Other City College students shared similar sentiments. They favor voting for Harris, but Gen Z students feel uncertain about their future, and many have a bleak outlook.

Gigi Borgese, a 19-year-old artist, explained that burgeoning right-wing policies frighten her. “There’s a lot of anti-trans/queer intent in many right-wing politicians’ plans, and that’s horrifying. People’s lives are at risk.”  She pointed out that Trump’s Vice President JD Vance has a history of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. “It’s not just that though- women’s rights are also at risk, and I feel there’s a lack of awareness.”

Some students wonder about their ability to live a secure life in a crumbling economy. “The idea of owning my own home is very out of reach, as much as I’d love to,” said Ben Borsellino. “The economy in general just frightens me.” Both candidates seem to understand that the economy is in a rough place, but neither of their solutions seem to inspire hope in CUNY students, many of whom still live with their parents because of the high cost of rent in New York City.

The debate in September and the campaign has not eased student’s minds. Gigi Borgese said it didn’t help, stating “Sure, one side is better, but they both support the same ideals and same wars.” The death of over 42,000 Palestinians in Gaza is a hot topic among students, and despite Trump’s claims that “Israel will be gone” if Kamala is elected president, many college students are aware that America will be supporting Israel regardless.

Some Undecided Students Have Little Enthusiasm for the Candidates

MANHATTAN, New York

by Jennifer Lorenzo

The presidential election season went into full swing as the weather began to shift. “I’m feeling iffy about the presidential elections,” Irene Gaspar, a 19-year-old biology student at The City College of New York (CCNY), said.

She, like some other students on the campus, doesn’t have strong feelings about either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump. But Gaspar and her fellow undecided students want answers from the candidates to sway their votes. Some students worry about the future of the economy, the environment, and individual rights, particularly women after Roe v. Wade was overturned.

“I can just imagine the panic or boredom of people standing in those long lines waiting to vote, or those excited”, said Sasha Velazquez, 19 years old..

Edgar G., an 18-year-old computer science major at CCNY, said, “I feel nervous. I hope Kamala Harris wins even if I’m not fully content with her. Her policies are more aligned to my beliefs, so I am hoping she wins this election.” Jordany Junior, an 18-year-old, agreed, “Yes, like he said, Kamala Harris policies align with my beliefs. I have a sister, and it’s important to me, knowing that my sister has the right to choose her decisions regarding her body.”