The Election is four days away and already, more young people have cast ballots than participated in the 2016 election overall.
WGCU’s Michelle Alvarez spoke with a few young voters about the importance of voter participation.
Here is a transcript of their conversations:
Nick Nalley:
I'm a junior, majoring in environmental studies, registered to vote and I voted for Biden. The reason I did so is it's kind of obvious, it's for the environment. Because really good opportunities, in place for me, you know, if he's president. After I graduate, a lot of jobs will be available in my field. So, and also I don't like Trump, but yeah, so that's why.`
Michelle Alvarez:
Why do you think it's important for people to go and vote, especially young people?
Nalley:
Have your voices heard. So many new people are voting, more than ever right now. I think it's important because in the past it's only been like 60% or something like that, that have voted. Now, it's a lot more, so it's a good thing. It's a better fit for the society in general when more people vote, so-
Michelle Alvarez:
Why do you think it's important to vote in this election?
Tori Pugliese:
There's definitely a lot of issues that are important to me that are getting a lot of attention in this election. It's just important that we're electing officials that we feel represent us and are going to represent us all equally. And I feel like this is an election that's going to either make or break that.
Michelle Alvarez:
Do you think a lot of young people are turning out to vote this year?
Pugliese:
I actually have seen a lot of reports saying young people are turning out to vote more in this election than definitely 2016. And I think that is great news. We've just got to make sure everyone who hasn't voted yet is voting. If you're registered to vote, make sure you're actually voting.
Michelle Alvarez:
Have you voted already?
Rory Cushen:
No. Voting on Tuesday.
Michelle Alvarez:
Do you think it's important for people to go and vote in this election?
Cushen:
Yeah, of course. We're faced with a lot of challenges and everything. I had COVID a while ago and it really sucks. So I think there are a lot of issues that we need to deal with now. And then also I want to get out of here in three years. You know, The next presidency will determine what's available for me, in my opinion.
Michelle Alvarez:
Are you a registered voter in Florida?
Andrew Burrows:
Yes, I am.
Michelle Alvarez:
Have you voted already?
Burrows:
I have. Yeah.
Michelle Alvarez:
Did you vote in person or by mail?
Burrows:
I voted in person. I drove back home to Tampa and I voted there.
Michelle Alvarez:
Do you think it's important for people to vote in this election?
Burrows:
Yeah, I think it is. Even if your candidate doesn't win, I think it's important just to at least represent your beliefs, I guess.
Michelle Alvarez:
Do you plan on voting or have you voted already?
Ross Barnett:
I have not voted yet. It has been too busy, but I do plan on voting.
Michelle Alvarez:
Do you plan on voting on election day in person?
Barnett:
Yes.
Michelle Alvarez:
Do you think it's important for people to go out and vote?
Barnett:
I do, because I think it's like your obligatory duty as an American citizen to go out and vote, because I mean, this is going to shape our future for the rest of our lives. It's a huge election. America's never been this divided. We got to go out there and we got to vote. We got to make a change. It's definitely important for young people to go out and vote because this isn't just our parents' futures. This is our future. This is our children's futures at stake. This is everyone's futures at stake.