Voter Turn out among College Students

By Richard McDonough

Voter turnout among college age students is sparse, but some students are still finding a way to make their voices heard. Many students go to school out of state but many are still able to find a way to do their civic duty. “I just request an absentee ballot and mail it in. It is a very simple process,” said Ryan McNulty a junior Villanova University. Despite how easy the process is for some there are those who have not taken advantage of it. “I am know it is simple but I guess I’ve just been lazy and not filling them out. Once I move home again I’ll take a more active role in voting,” said Brian Delsignore a student at the University of Miami. But voting does not only affect turn out for those that go to school away from their home town. Brian’s older brother John who goes to Boston College. He is close to home, but he too takes advantage of the absentee ballot system. “Yeah it’s an easy commute home, but it’s just simpler to stay in my routine by mailing in my vote than to make a day of going home.” He said. Another Boston College student Brett Hoffer finds no problem with going home and casting his vote. “I just good to the local polling place in Westwood and cast my vote.” He said. This mirrors the voter turnout description that the Westwood Town Clerk, Maggie Powers gave. “We do get a lot of absentee ballot requests from students that go to school far away,” she continued, “it is good to see that students are taking advantage of the system.” When asked why students are not there in person to vote she had a simple and clear answer. “They simply aren’t here to do it. When students graduate and those that come back to live at home do come in and cast their vote.” Said Powers. This is in direct contrast to lilt.ilstu.edu stats that voter turnout amount young adults 18-20 are actually higher than young adults 21-24. However many college students are taking advantage of their ability to cast their vote despite the challenge being away from home represents.