Kyler Alvord
Updated on: October 11, 2024 6:58 am GMT
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has sparked significant engagement among college students, particularly those in Generation Z. The debate, which lasted over 90 minutes and covered critical issues such as the economy, immigration, and global conflicts, took place on September 10 and was notably pivotal for many watching, as it marked their initial introduction to national discourse in a voting context.
Record Turnout and Engagement Among Young Voters
Students across the United States gathered in large numbers to watch the debate unfold, reflecting a growing interest in the electoral process among young voters. Universities such as Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, hosted watch parties where more than 100 students filled the room to engage in discussions following the debate. This enthusiasm represents an encouraging trend for democracy, considering that nearly 41 million first-time voters are expected to participate in the upcoming election, a substantial increase from previous years.
Lucas Helms, a college senior who watched the debate, remarked on the significance of the event for students, saying, “Both had a fairly good debate performance. This was really everyone’s first introduction to Kamala Harris on a national stage.” Similarly, Devon Brock, a freshman, expressed the weight of the moment, emphasizing, “It’s kind of weird watching a debate now that I’m actually going to be part of it.
Issues of Primary Concern for Young Voters
A significant number of students voiced concerns that directly impact their lives, particularly around student debt and the economy. Donato Venditti, a sophomore, stressed the urgency of addressing financial burdens faced by college students, stating, “What are they going to do for me directly as a college student with a scary amount of student debt?” This sentiment highlights the need for candidates to engage with the younger generation on policies that relate to their immediate economic realities.
Kevin Baron, a political science professor, noted that youth voter turnout appears to be on the rise for 2024, reminiscent of the surge seen in 2008. This growth could have implications for the upcoming election, as young voters increasingly recognize their potential impact.
Campus Discussions and Voter Engagement Initiatives
Following the debate, many college students took part in roundtable discussions to deliberate on the pressing issues addressed during the event. At Widener University, first-year student Anthony Fideli shared that conversations revolved around the economy, inflation, and the cost of living. “As college students next year, are we living off campus or are we going to find a house near our job? We have to make sure we are financially stable to support ourselves,” Fideli explained.
The diversity of attention at these watch parties echoed the broad spectrum of academic disciplines represented. Nicole Carrera, assistant director of communications at Widener, noted that students from various fields beyond political science attended, including nursing and engineering students. “It wasn’t just the political science students; there were all sorts of majors here,” she affirmed, indicating a shared interest in political affairs that spans across different academic backgrounds.
Watch Parties Across Philadelphia
Widener University was not alone in fostering political engagement. Other institutions like Neumann University in Aston and Temple University in Philadelphia also held watch parties to facilitate discussions among students. These events have proven to be vital platforms for encouraging voter participation and enabling young people to voice their opinions on the significant issues at hand.
As Election Day approaches, students at these universities are not merely passive observers. Many are actively seeking to participate in voter outreach efforts on campus, recognizing the importance of making their voices heard. With one student remarking, “Every little bit matters,” the collective resolve among young voters shows a commitment to shaping the future through civic engagement.
The National Context of Student Engagement
The debate between Harris and Trump, framed within the broader context of the 2024 presidential election, has served as a catalyst for political conversation among young voters. The heightened engagement seen during this election cycle is a reflection of a larger cultural shift where younger demographics are increasingly motivated to influence legislative outcomes and advocate for their interests.
The first presidential debate has brought young voters back into the spotlight, showing how important it is for them to take part in elections. College students all over the country are talking about important issues like the economy and student debt. Their increased involvement in politics is a hopeful sign for the future of democracy in the United States.
