In such politically divisive times, many feel this year has been overshadowed by the daily headlines of the upcoming presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. As the country divides in opinion, so do the voters.
While techniques of swaying voters to either side of the two-party system gather millions of supporters, one cannot help to notice the continual largest voting group: those who don’t vote.
While members of this group do not vote for many reasons, such as distaste for both major-party candidates, it is increasingly common to hear individuals aren’t voting simply because they feel their vote doesn’t matter. However, amid this skepticism, Montclair State University students are sharing a different narrative and expressing their thoughts on the importance of civic engagement and the power their vote has on shaping the future of the nation.
Warren Rigby speaking at National Voter Registration Day 2023. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion Photo credit: Dani Mazariegos
Warren Rigby, graduate coordinator at Montclair State’s Office of Civic and Voter Engagement, stressed the impact of voting.
“Everyone’s vote matters in an election because it represents a collective decision-making process where each person’s voice contributes to the outcome,” Rigby said. “In a democratic system, even a single vote can make a significant difference, especially in close races.”
This sentiment resonates with many students on campus. Generation Z (Gen Z), now the newest generation able to vote, seems increasingly conscious and supportive of not only the importance of their vote for a candidate but what that vote can do to future legislation affecting the country they’ll grow up in.
Julian Siegel, a freshman history major, shared his thoughts on the importance of his vote.
“I think it matters honestly, just as much as any other vote,” Siegel said. “These days it’s hard to say how much it will matter given the current situation, but I’d say it’s important. [In legislation], I think certainly income and health care, or just economic equality in general.”
Julian Siegel, a freshman history major. Ava Firmani | The Montclarion Photo credit: Ava Firmani
In contrast, senior history major Eric Rosner expressed his opinion on how his vote will not matter.
“I personally feel that my vote won’t matter because it really seems for the most part both political parties and our own government [couldn’t] care less about people’s thoughts or votes,” Rosner said. “You don’t have to look too far to see that our country is run by very corrupt people. Overall, I don’t really think my interests and the interests and needs of the majority of Americans will be met by the winner.”
While opinions differ, Montclair State students demonstrate that for many, the act of voting still holds importance. When The Montclarion held a poll on Instagram earlier this month, 95% of respondents said they do believe their vote matters. What the opinions around campus begin to show is that a growing number of students believe in the significance of voting, especially as they begin to recognize they are voting for the world they will inherit.
Sara Flores, a freshman linguistics major. Ava Firmani | The Montclarion Photo credit: Ava Firmani
Sara Flores, a freshman linguistics major, shared her views on why voting is important.
“I think it’s important as a civilian, as you have a duty to vote no matter what, even if you think it counts or not,” Flores said.
