By Adam Lignell
Youth voting demographic numbers have changed a lot since the 2008 elections, and newer political issues have changed targets.
Younger and older voters may have differing views on why they vote, but almost all relate the action to their future goals.
Jerry Magliano, professor, personal computer applications, gives reason as to why voters ages 18-30 do have a lot of power if they want it.
“Individually, it’s hard to picture yourself as having much of a voice, but collectively [as a demographic] you do have a big voice,” he said.
Although his generation may be safe from changes in Social Security, Magliano stressed that all young people should pay attention to it.
“At your age, the last thing you’re thinking about is retirement, right?” Magliano said. “Trust me, when you get to that point, it’s going to be an important part of your overall income.”
Related to income, the US economy’s state will greatly affect the current younger generation.
Factors such as high taxation and healthcare benefits will affect any soon-to-be graduates.
“There’s so much uncertainty about those things, that’s one of the reasons businesses aren’t growing and hiring people,” Magliano said.
Student Rodney Preston feels there is a major underlying cause for many of the issues this younger generation faces.
“I also believe that disparity of income is what’s really causing all this,” Preston said. “If we could just give a little bit back, it’d help out a lot.”
Jim Cusser, adjunct assistant professor, Political Science, explained that it’s his duty to vote as a US citizen.
“There’s a connection between education and a higher socioeconomic status in voting,” Cusser said.
People ages 18-30 have ways to best prepare themselves for the polls, too.
“[By] paying attention and getting up to speed on the news, you can familiarize yourself with the issues,” Cusser said.
Cusser also gave insight as to why groups of youth voters may have turned away from the process after 2008.
“Younger voters have been turned off because they felt like they’ve been burned in the 2008 election,” Cusser said. “There’s not as much excitement.”
Although some non-voters may complain about politicians’ decisions, student Gretchen Gilbreath explains why she doesn’t.
“If I really dislike an elected official, I feel the only way I can complain about them is if I voted against them,” Gilbreath said.
That sentiment is shared by Marilyn Gaar, political science and history professor. According to Gaar, students should put key issues first, particularly their education.
“Start thinking about your priorities,” Gaar said. “If it’s your education, you need to invest in your education with your career and how it compensates in mind.”
With the college’s recent tuition increase, Gaar stressed that younger students need to be aware of any bigger economic issues as well, such as Social Security.
“Because you’ve got to pay the bill,” Gaar said. “It’s on your backs, not mine.”
In terms of the way the entire US economy has been affected, however, Gaar has different advice.
“We have to bring ourselves out of this by becoming informed citizens,” she said. “It’s our constitutional role to shape our own future.”
Contact Adam Lignell, staff reporter, at alignell@jccc.edu.