Photo courtesy of Jessica Vargas.
St. Ambrose University opened a polling center for students living on campus and the local community at The Rogalski Center. They shared who they voted for and why they chose their candidate. Many students did not feel comfortable sharing their names.
A male SAU student who asked not to be identified said, “I voted for Trump… I do not agree with what Kamala has done as Vice President nor do I agree with what she plans on doing if she were to get elected.”
Another anonymous male SAU student says, “I voted for Trump. I didn’t have to take many factors into consideration when deciding who to vote for, it was a no-brainer for me.” He adds, “I feel confident in Trump taking office.”
SAU senior media major Cole Negan answered, “I voted for Kamala Harris although I do not like her. I was not a fan of the alternative candidate, nor do I think he is an acceptable option. I would consider myself to be far left and I wish I could have an option with views that are closer to my own.”
An anonymous female SAU student says, “I think everyone’s opinion matters, it is important to have your voice be heard. I voted for Kamala, I just do not think Trump’s views align with me.”
Freshman Nola Noring adds, “I voted for Harris after considering many factors, however I do identify more with Democratic rather than Republican beliefs.”
An anonymous freshman male SAU student added, “I voted for Kamala Harris because I do not support Trump, his ideologies aren’t ideal for America. Kamala is the best fit for today’s world.”
Retired teacher Rachel Serianz was in charge of the poll at the Rogalski Center. “I think it’s important for young people to engage in voting.”
She says they had a great turn out. “We had a great flow of students and community members throughout the day.” She adds, “I think this is the most student engagement there’s been at a St. Ambrose polling center… On-campus voting polls are important, they make it more convenient for students to participate and help boost youth engagement in elections.”
University students are a significant portion of the young adult population, and they have a history of having a lower voter turnout rate in comparison to older demographics.
Reporter Max Molski from NBC Washington compared voters shift from Harris towards Trump. Max found a six percent increase in the age ranges of 18-29 from the 2020 election to the 2024 election. While Biden/Harris supporters dropped five percent between the two elections. According to Alicja Hagopian from Independent, this year’s voting turnout is close when compared to the 2020 election.
Jessica Vargas is a staff writer for The Buzz.
