University of Mississippi Students Debate Their Role in Democracy Ahead of Upcoming Elections

Students at University of Mississippi Reflect on Voting in Democracy

As the bustling college town of Oxford, Mississippi prepares for the upcoming elections, students at the University of Mississippi are diving deep into discussions about their roles in democracy. With the nation’s eyes on the presidential election, many students feel uncertain about the value of their vote, while others passionately voice their beliefs in civic engagement.

After speaking with several students, a clear divide emerges. On one hand, some students like Kennadi Parker, a sophomore studying allied health from Olive Branch, Mississippi, express skepticism about their voting power. “At the end of the day, I don’t think my vote is important,” Parker candidly shared. “The electoral college process makes it feel pointless.” This feeling of helplessness resonates with many young voters who grapple with the complexities of the election process.

On a similar note, freshman KJ Johnson, who is pursuing business and entrepreneurship from Grenada, Mississippi, feels uninformed and unsure about participating in the election. “I don’t really know anything about politics,” he admitted. “So my vote would just be based on what everybody else is saying and not what I know.” Johnson’s concern about possibly influencing the outcome with a vote cast in ignorance is genuine; he feels disassociated from political issues, saying, “I don’t really care about politics. I don’t really know what they do towards me.”

A New Generation of Voters Making Their Voices Heard

However, not all students share this sentiment. Gabre’el McKinney, an excited freshman theater arts major, is preparing to vote for the very first time. “I plan to vote because without everyone’s vote, it won’t help change the powers that are going to be taking place,” McKinney expressed with hope. “(The year) 2024 can be a year of change, and we can all do it if we partake in this one thing.” McKinney’s optimism reflects a growing interest among first-time voters eager to make a difference.

Sophomore Julia Harless, majoring in Arabic and biology, echoed this enthusiasm for civic participation. “If one person believes that their vote doesn’t matter, then that encourages everyone else to think the same,” Harless explained. She recounted an impactful story about how a small town in California heard a delayed result in the JFK elections, which shifted the election outcome and left a lasting impression on her perspective of voting.

The Importance of Engaging with the Political Landscape

As these conversations unfold, aids from the University are stepping in to emphasize the importance of voting and its implications beyond just selecting candidates. William Teer, program director of student leadership programs and financial well-being in the UM Center for Community Engagement, highlights that voting is essential for representing personal values and community issues. “If you believe in a certain issue that you feel needs to gain traction in your community, but you don’t go out to vote in favor of that issue, there is no chance of any sort of change happening in the area you wanted,” Teer noted.

Marshall Pentes, the university’s voting engagement ambassador, encourages students to look beyond the presidential election. “Even if you are not in love with either presidential candidate, I am sure that there is a candidate for a state or local election who both shares your priorities and will have a large impact on your day-to-day life,” he said. Pentes aims to remind others that decisions made at the local level can significantly influence their daily lives.

Your Vote Counts – The Voice of the Future

Freshman Aaliyah Wales, who hails from Chicago, is clear about her stance on voting. “Voting is important because it is my duty to exercise my right as a citizen,” she remarked. “Voting ensures that your voice is heard and changes you want are more likely to happen.” When put together, these sentiments demonstrate a diverse range of opinions, balancing skepticism and belief in the power of democratic participation.

To close the conversation, Hannah Watts, Associated Student Body president and senior majoring in public policy leadership, reflected on the larger issue at hand regarding votes. “I fear that the mentality of someone’s vote not counting exists on a large scale,” she expressed. “If all of those individuals who thought this way decided to vote, it could truly make a difference.” She emphasizes that neglecting one’s right to vote is akin to giving up one of the fundamental rights we cherish as U.S. citizens.

As election day approaches, the students at the University of Mississippi are navigating their feelings toward their votes, fostering an engaging dialogue, and working through their roles in the democracy. With enthusiasm from many, it seems that the future can be shaped by the participation of this new generation of voters.