College students involved in the presidential election
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UTK College Democrats is one of several student organizations on UTK’s campus that works to get students involved in the 2024 presidential election. (Sophia Aiello/UTK Student Journalist)
April 9, 2024 (7:00 p.m.) - The 2024 presidential election is an important election for many students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The average student entering their undergraduate years is 18 to 19-years-old, meaning that this election may be the first time that students can legally vote.
On April 9, the UTK College Democrats club held an event about getting involved in the 2024 election. President Walker Kinsler has a strong interest in politics that he shares with his peers to encourage young voting.
“Right now, we see a lot of older people in office, and a lot of young people complain about that,” said Kinsler. “However, in Tennessee, especially in Knoxville, the young turnout is very low.”
Despite all the reasons to vote, some young people are still not exercising this constitutional right for several reasons.
“People think their vote may be insignificant,” said Hayley Lambert, a junior at UTK. “Also, I think a lot of people don’t want to go out of their way to register if they’re not yet.”
Each election year, the young voter turnout rate increases. With the prevalence of social media among students, there is a lot of influence for whom and what they vote.
“They don’t really take the time to look into it, so they just kind of bandwagon behind somebody,” said sophomore Madison Foshie. “I feel like that’s a big problem in today’s society that people just go for the controversial topics.”
The presidential election gives power to the people through their vote. Are you letting your voice be heard?
