Sign identifying a polling place at Comstock Memorial Union at Minnesota State Moorhead (KFGO News photo / Jake Anderson)
MOORHEAD, Minn. (KFGO) – College students at Minnesota State University Moorhead are making their voices heard on Election Day, with the Comstock Memorial Union serving as a polling location for voters in Moorhead.
For some students, Tuesday’s election marks their first opportunity to cast a ballot. MSUM freshman Ryleigh Love, who recently became a Minnesota resident, says she wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to participate.
“This is my first time voting, and I’m a new Minnesota resident. I am a freshman here at MSUM. So I just thought, why not take the chance and vote?” Love said.
Love says issues involving women’s rights and equality were among the most important factors influencing her vote. She also hopes elected officials pay more attention to younger generations.
MSUM junior Callahan Grove says getting more young people involved in elections is important, especially because younger voters can influence decisions that affect their future.
“It’s kind of sad that you don’t see a lot of young people voting or talking about voting or organizing to get out the vote,” Grove said.
Grove says young voters are often underrepresented, even though their participation can make a difference in election results.
“Youth voices can swing very, very important policies.” Grove said. “The North Star Promise was passed because of the youth vote, things like that. It’s just important to get out the vote.”
Other students say they are thinking about issues that could affect them long after graduation. MSUM student Drake Goebel says education funding and climate change are among his concerns.
Goebel, who is originally from Cambridge, one hour north of the Twin Cities, also says voting on campus offers a different experience from voting in his hometown.
“I think it’s really cool that there’s a specific precinct for college students and only the people who live on the campus to vote for,” Goebel said.
For students like Goebel, having a polling location on campus provides an opportunity to participate in the election close to where they live and attend school.
While their individual priorities differ, the students share an interest in having a voice in decisions that could shape their communities and their futures.
Love offered a simple message to other young people who may be considering whether to vote.
“Go out and vote. Do it, please,” Love said.
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