Sophomore Jordan Midgley believes his decision to abstain from voting in the midterm elections on Nov. 4 is justified.
“I don’t feel as though I have enough information about the candidates,” Midgley said. “I don’t think I should have to go out of my way to find out information about my neighbor’s yard sign.”
Midgley is not alone. The U.S. Census Bureau found that voting rates between 18-24 year-olds have decreased from 50.9 percent in 1964 to 38 percent in 2012.
The Voter Turnout in the 2010 Midterm Elections also found young people less likely to vote than older people, specifically in midterm elections.
Though Midgley finds some value in voting, he doesn’t feel that his vote makes much of a difference.
“Literally, your vote doesn’t matter, but the idea of you being a patriot does,” he said.
Junior Corbin Delgado disagrees, saying the best way to stay informed is to be educated.
“College students have this idea in their heads that they’re entitled to complain without putting in effort,” said Delgado.
However, Delgado also said social media may be a reason for the decrease among young voters.
“I think social media has played a part into (the lack of interest among young people). You can convey opinions without someone combating them,” said Delgado.
It is difficult to debate online, Delgado said, because, “The people I’m with online are peers that agree with me.”
Delgado said quality information is accessible to those interested because candidates or members of their cabinet respond to emails.
“There’s no excuse to not be a participant in what happens to you,” said Delgado.
Gregory Tapis, advisor of College Republicans, agrees young people need to take a more active role in becoming educated, but said they may be at a disadvantage.
“I don’t think politicians take (college students) as seriously as they should,” said Tapis. “They don’t make an effort. Most of the politicians just don’t focus on the younger vote.”
While this may be the case, Tapis said students can learn more by inviting politicians to speak about their views on current issues.
“I don’t care who you vote for, I care that you vote,” he said.