Why young adults are inclined to vote – or not

PAUL WILLIAMS III | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Students at Johnson C. Smith understand the value of voting, but differ on motivations for casting their ballots – or not.

Editor’s note: Jasmine Corbett is a professor at Johnson C. Smith University.

As a professor at an HBCU, this voting season has been particularly important to me.

My son, who is 11, will have to wait at least seven more years to voice his opinion at the polls.  The best I have been able to do to engage him in the importance and history of his civic duty is creating mock voting elections and taking him with me when I cast my vote.  And he will go with me this election, no doubt nonverbally sharing what would be his selections on the ballot.  

My American Government students, however, will have a tangible opportunity to vote in this most likely historic presidential election.  I have heard comments on all sides, to even include their lack of intention to vote.  I wanted to share my students with you, not to shun them for however they fall on the political spectrum, but to validate that our young Black and brown people have their own thoughts and concerns this election season.

So, below, in their own, words, they share their voices on the this very important topic.

You may agree with some. Resonate with others. Disagree with some of their thoughts. But hopefully, you celebrate the notion young people are indeed investigating and determining how they will use their voice in November.  

Mikayla Ball, 18, marketing major.

I’m from Houston, Texas, and I come from a big family with four siblings: three sisters and one brother.

As the youngest, I grew up in a household that frequently discussed current events and the importance of being engaged in the community especially as a Black family. My viewpoint on voting is that it is a fundamental part of being an active citizen. Voting allows us to have a say in pure policies that shape our society, and it gives us power to influence important issues like education, women’s rights, healthcare, and economic justice.

I believe that young people, in particular, should vote because our generation will face the long-term impacts of decisions made today.

Tajer Basden, 17, political science major and sociology minor.

Coming from the island of Bermuda and a household of six, I can say that I view American politics as one of the most dangerous sitcoms on air. Leaders, politicians, and voters continue to focus on the negative aspects of politics and ignore the actual policies and how they can and could affect current and future generations. This, along with the fact that the system only favors two parties instead of having options, makes voters feel they have to pick the lesser of two evils.

Voting is a civic duty and impacts not only the American people but also other countries; it is important not only to exercise this right but to fully understand what is at stake and the policies each candidate is running on. The 2024 election is one for the history books and the results of who holds office, especially taking into consideration the Heritage Foundation's proposed Project 22025. The results of this election will not only affect my status as an international student but as a student attending a historically Black university.

Jamari Brown, 18, political science major.  

I was born in Raleigh but spent my entire life in Winston-Salem before attending JCSU.  I was raised by my beautiful mother and grandmother as an only child, until my mom had my little sister 10 years ago.  When it comes to voting, I think everyone should exercise their right. I personally feel that African Americans should be the first at the polls, and the first to register, considering all people went through to secure this right.  I will be at the polls for this election because I think this will be historic. 

I’m looking forward to a change for this country and hope that my community yearns for change just as much I do.  I personally want to see how a woman can handle being in office.  It may be the change America needs.  

William Colson, 23, business administration major.

I am from Charlotte, and I come from a nuclear family as both my parents were present and played big roles in my life. I am the only child, but I also grew up close with my cousins.

Voting is important because it gives people a direct say in the democratic process, influencing the laws and leaders that run their nations and communities. It offers people a say in matters affecting their everyday life, like as healthcare, education, the economy, and environmental regulations.

I am voting because I want to exercise my rights we fought for and my voice to be heard.

Je’Quavion Handsome, 21, undecided on a major.

I am originally from Lansing, Michigan, and I come from a close-knit family of four: my mother, stepfather, little brother, and myself. I believe voting is a fundamental right and an essential way to express our values and priorities as a society.

I plan to vote because I want to support candidates and initiatives that align with my beliefs about climate change and social justice. Engaging in the electoral process is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility to advocate for a better future.

Angel Ramos, 18, business administration major.

My hometown is Fairfax, Virginia. I come from a household that includes my mother, grandparents, two uncles, and my aunt.  I believe voting is not just a right but a responsibility we owe to ourselves and our communities.

Growing up, I witnessed first-hand the challenges my mother faced, particularly in accessing resources and opportunities that could benefit our family. This experience instilled in me the understanding that our voices matter.  

Voting gives us a change to include policies that directly affect our lives.  I recently learned a lot about voting and politics, and I do not agree with one of the candidates and the policies they plan to implement if elected.  I am particularly concerned about affordable housing and rights, as these issues are crucial for families.  Therefore, I am passionately committed to voting in the 2024 election because I want to support candidates who prioritize the issues that concern me, and advocate for change that can uplift not just my family but others.  

Michael Shell, 20.  

I was born and raised in Statesville. Growing up, I was raised by my single mom, and I would go to my dad’s on the weekend and summer. I have three sisters, and I am the only boy.

When it comes to voting, I really didn’t pay attention. My mom or dad didn’t make me learn about voting. She would stress to me how good it is for Black people that we had a Black president and how we should vote.

Now that I’m older she wants me to register to vote and make my voice heard at the polls, but personally I don’t want to vote for either party.

I feel as if both parties lie and don’t stand on the things they say and that they are just lying to get a vote. When watching ads on Trump and Harris they promise they are helping the people, but I do not believe they are.  I’m not voting because I choose not to, not because I don’t think it matters.

Kerrick Wiggins, 18, sport management major.

I am from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My family makeup is my mom, my dad, brother, and sister. My viewpoint on voting is that everyone that can vote should vote.

The reason I say that you should vote is because our lives are being affected regardless of if we vote or not, so why not have a say in something changing your life and your vote is your say to try to affect how your life is in America.

The reason I’m voting is because after reading the Project 2025 plan, I feel like I could not imagine living by the rules Trump is planning to put into place.

Jeremiah Woods, 21, business and marketing major.  

I live with my mom, dad, and brother. I think voting is important because when you vote, you make an impact on something in life.  

We have the right to vote, as there are people who fought so hard for our right to vote, that we should take advantage of it.  It may feel like your vote doesn’t matter, but I believe one person can change the future.  

Briana Boston, 18, criminology major, cyber security minor.

I am from Charleston, South Carolina. My family make up consists of my married parents with two older brothers and two dogs. My viewpoint on voting is that it is very important. Voting is using your voice on what you believe in depending on candidate, policy, and respect.

Voting for the Black community is very important because once upon a time we didn't have the right to vote. The paths in which voting for the Black community has been a long one, but one in which many don't take advantage of enough. I am voting in the 2024 election because my rights as an African American young woman have been threatened on too many occasions for me to sit back and let terrible decisions happen.

This year is a chance to make history and to allow for someone who wants the best for all American citizens to become our next president.  

Aria Brown, 19, information systems engineering major.

I’m from Charlotte and a family of five: my parents, my older brother, and older sister.

I'm aware that voting is crucial, and it affects people lives, but I've never cared it. My life doesn't change, no matter who is in office or who’s the president. Another reason is I don't fully understand politics. I never cared to learn about them or need to learn about them.

My life is still going to be the same, but I believe when I’m working and living in the real world I’ll understand and see how important it is.

I am voting because my vote still matters and is just as important even if I don't care for it, but I know that my vote can help others. I'm also a Black woman and I hate seeing people say just because Kamala Harris is a woman she can't be president. Black women are leaders and have been for years.

Jalen Brown, 18, business administration major.

I’m from Charleston, South Carolina. As a Black American, my viewpoints on voting have changed over the years.  I went from not caring about politics to researching any facts I could find on the topic.  

Voting is key to our society as it allows us to have a say in our nation is run.  Neglecting this right has been evident throughout history.  

We can look at past elections and see the effects of what happens when we do exercise our civic duties and the impact it can have.  I am voting because I want my voice to be heard and to be part of a change that could usher in a new era.  

Ellijah Ellis, 20.

I’m from Winston Salem and the third oldest of seven siblings. My viewpoint is that voting is a powerful tool for enacting change and influencing policies. Voting gives individuals the opportunity to support candidates and measures that align with their views on these issues. I’m voting in this election because I was encouraged by my family, professors and mainly from this American Government class.

Lanessa Heyliger, 18, business administration major.

I am from Long Island, New York where my family lives. I live with my mother, my two brothers and sister. I feel voting is a very important part of the United States of America. Our democracy is what draws a lot of people in. Voting affects us as a country, and we will all be affected by whoever is elected.  If it was up to me, I would make voting required once you turn the age of 18 because everyone's opinion matters but I would also want everyone to be educated on what/who they are voting for.

I will be voting because this will be my first time able to have a say instead of me saying my opinion and not being able to act on it since I was a minor.

Also, I feel like as a Black woman I owe it to the black women who have worked hard to even get me in the position I’m in right now, so me voting I feel like is me giving them my respects. I think every person of color should vote as well since we tend to get affected the most by the laws created for an example, when Trump was president that’s when Black Lives Matter became more popular because with him in power it put the white officers in power of doing as they please to people just based off the color of your skin or how the officer is feeling when they see you.

Things like that affect us dearly and it's still a problem till this day and I feel like voting can help me make a difference.

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