Here at The Collegiate, the majority of the staff are voting in their first presidential election, however, not everyone voted or was old enough to. The staff shared what motivated them to vote or why they chose not to.
Editor-in-chief Alexa Cheaney
Donald Trump first ran for office when I was 13 years old and in the eighth grade. There was a lot I didn’t understand back then, but something about the way that he and his supporters spoke didn’t sit well with me even at an early age. I’m 21 years old and I choose to believe that I’m a bit more knowledgeable than when I was 13. As a Grand Rapids Community College student, I study communications and I’ve found myself constantly fascinated by dialect and rhetoric. I pay attention to the words people choose to say in everyday conversations. This has, without a doubt, heavily influenced my political views. Something that I still don’t understand as I continue to age is how I’ve entered adulthood and that man is still running. In some weird and twisted way, I’ve grown up alongside his political career. I can’t understand how we as a country could allow someone who mimics the rhetoric of Hitler to even come close to holding the highest office. This morning, I was able to vote for the first time and it felt empowering to have a say on what comes next. It felt empowering to vote for a candidate who actively works to protect women, who I believe will keep our democracy in place and who will protect my right as a queer individual to get married. It felt damn good to vote for Kamala Harris.
Managing Editor Vanessa Hewitt
Although I have participated in elections before, this was my first time voting in a presidential election and it felt empowering. Before this, being underage and watching the past presidential elections, I was frustrated because I felt like I wasn’t able to do anything. I was so happy to be able to say I could take part in the voting this year, and it made me feel like I had a voice. Throughout the election season, I have been anxiously awaiting when I could cast my ballot, as I had my mind made up about what candidate I wanted to vote for, for a long time. That being said, my nerves are extremely heightened as we wait for the results, as I hope the candidate I voted for is able to take office. Along with that, being a resident of Michigan and Kent County, I thought it was extremely important to cast my ballot, and I am hoping that I can say I voted for the next President of the United States. As for how I voted, I voted in person and early, and because I did research beforehand it was a quick in-and-out, very easy process. My overall experience at the polls was good and I really enjoyed picking out a sticker at the end (I went with the werewolf graphic done by 12-year-old Jane Hynous.) I am looking forward to seeing how Michigan swings, and I am anxious to see its impact on the final results.
Reporter Grace Howard
Being a first-time voter, this election was a crazy one to start with. I felt like this was going to be one of the most important elections in my lifetime and I am so happy that I have the power to vote during it. Over the last couple of months, seeing everyone speak their mind on who they think should be elected as the 47th president of the United States has been quite a wild ride. People who you have been best friends with for so many years having completely different views is a hard thing to navigate. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, which is an amazing thing that we have in our country, everyone has a voice. I believe that it is so important to use that voice, vote for who you believe in and be able to say that you were part of the history that made that happen. I was originally planning to vote absentee, but accidentally threw my absentee ballot away so I had to drive back to the east side of the state to vote. I voted early so that I didn’t have to drive back to Clarkston on Tuesday and miss any classes and I didn’t have to wait in hour-long lines. For this election especially, it is one of the most important elections to vote in. You have two completely different candidates with different morals and views. My friends who don’t know much about politics or don’t typically care to educate themselves on politics are making sure that they do their research and vote because they realize it is such an important election for our future selves and even our future children. I felt proud of myself when I went and voted knowing that I had something to do with the future of our country.
Reporter Rebeca Lopez
It was my first time voting this year. I knew since the day I turned 18 that I was going to vote the next time I could. It was surprisingly not as bad as I had imagined it to be. Where I was stationed to attend on election day, was walking distance from my house so I was able to walk right over this morning and put in my vote. It was also a very smooth process. Everyone who was there assisting was helpful and explained clearly and briefly what to do. I went into it a little more prepared knowing that I wasn’t just voting for the US President but as well as many other significant people. I feel that this election is definitely gonna be one of those elections that will go down in history. I believe the numbers will be very close to one another which will have us at the edge of our seats. Both main candidates have been doing nothing but continuous promoting, campaigns and ads to ensure they will win, so in the end, it will all determine the final results. As far as empowerment, knowing that a female candidate is running has been big for us as women. It has brought a sense of power and respect that others will have for us. The majority of people voted early, but I personally voted this morning right on election day to ensure my vote would count. I have heard and have seen stories of ballot boxes being set on fire or even left across the street during transportation. As a first-time voter, I am glad that I was able to vote for a female to be our next US President.
Reporter Thomas Irumva
Today is the day I have been waiting for, Election Day. The polling station was placed near my apartment and that made my voting easy and quick. I voted at York Creek Community Center in person today… I was eagerly waiting for the day I would cast my vote for the candidate of my choice. This is my second time voting and I felt more than empowered because I was prepared. Knowing that participating in elections is my right, privilege and one of the most important things in building the nation, I decided not to miss this opportunity. I voted in the previous election, and now that I am in journalism class, I was more informed through the media.
Reporter Bianca Bower
As a Collegiate staff member, I am too young to vote in the 2024 presidential election. “So close, yet so far,” I say as I am 17 years old and four days away from turning 18, where I would be able to have a say in this election. For me, another four years will lie ahead before the next presidential election when I will be 22. So new voters, young, and old, I advocate for you to use your voice now and have a say, because as someone who wants to share their voice and can’t, it can be slightly nerve-racking awaiting the future of the next four years.I care deeply about promoting a good America: one where our freedoms and rights are protected and our futures have the ability to be bright. As someone who can’t vote, I would encourage those who can to fulfill their civic duty and participate in this year’s presidential election. While also understanding that it is more than just a duty but also an honor to your country. Election season may be stressful and complicated at times, but know that you have a voice and you should express it. Your vote matters, so dedicate your vote to what policies and candidates most clearly represent your ideas and can support your future.
Reporter Brendan Duneghy
The 2024 election day has finally arrived, one where supposedly it’s the most important election of our lifetime. This is said every four years though, right? It’s a time when the so-called democracy steps in and promises to end our troubles and begin new endeavors as a nation. Only until they win though, right? Then in three years time a new rival will contest and the same parroting will commence, but this time it’s different though, right? The reason I’m not voting in this year’s election is because I’m my own president. Just joking, but not really. In recent years I haven’t been too fond of voting mainly because of the principles voting relies on. For me to cast a ballot for someone who doesn’t even know what I look like seems irrational to me. I’m too intricate for any candidate to base an entire election on me. But wait, aren’t elections for the common good and not single individuals? Sure, then by all means go ahead and vote for your democracy, where hopefully you and your people are considered in every decision the White House makes. But don’t get upset about it later when your government funds other governments to blow up little children or when your government enters a war on false accusations. Whether the president is Gaba Gugu or Lady Dudu, they won’t particularly have a say on how I choose to wake up in the morning, that’s up to me. Unfortunately, I don’t think I chose to be born in America in the 21st century, so for now, if I can just get a college degree for cheap that would be nice.
Polls are open until 8 p.m. tonight, if you have not already registered to vote you are able to register and cast your ballot at the same time. Visit this same day voter guide for more information.
