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As election season approaches, first-time voters at ����ֱ�� State University are preparing to make their voices heard. Whether registering at events like Democracy Fest or researching candidates in their residence halls, students across campus are taking their first steps toward casting their votes.

Empowering student voters reflects ����ֱ�� State's commitment to an inclusive culture on campus where students can freely share their perspectives and make an impact on their futures.

For Josie Giguere, a junior business management major, voting is about taking a stand on issues that directly shape her life.  

“It’s super exciting. It feels good to finally have a voice on things that are controlling my life,” Giguere told ����ֱ�� State Today. “I’m at the age where a lot of the decisions being made are affecting me and my future. So, I feel like I deserve to have my say in that too.”

According to Craig Berger, associate director of civic and community engagement in the Center for Student Involvement, student turnout and interest at recent events show a genuine desire to be informed.  

“What has been most encouraging this semester is that students are not simply stopping by because there is an event happening on Risman Plaza,” Berger said. “They are asking questions. They want to understand what is on the ballot, where they vote, what identification they need, and how decisions being made in an election do affect their lives.”

Berger noted that inspiring students to vote is deeply rooted in the university's identity and history.  

“����ֱ�� State also has a particular responsibility here because of our history,” Berger said. “This is a university where questions about democracy, citizenship, dissent and public life are deeply embedded in our institutional identity. Helping students participate thoughtfully and confidently in civic life is consistent with both that history and the educational mission of the university.”

For Arden Powell, a first-year integrated language arts major, registering to vote felt like an exciting opportunity to carry on ����ֱ�� State's spirit of student activism. Powell was inspired by the legacy of student advocacy on campus.  

“I’d say it’s really exciting,” Powell said. “I just visited the May 4 Memorial, and it reminded me that I can vote today because of them.”  

Voting for the first time is a major milestone in a democracy. Students on campus want to be fully prepared before heading to the polls. Isabella Evans, a junior psychology major, described casting her ballot as a long-awaited goal and a responsibility she takes seriously.

“I remember being in middle school and high school and wanting to be able to vote but not being able to yet, but always being really excited and eager to,” Evans said.  

To ensure she feels confident on Election Day, Evans makes a point to thoroughly research her options before stepping into the voting booth.

“I very much feel ready,” Evans said. “But I also make sure to research and investigate who I am voting for and what the process looks like because I want to be ready for it.”

While national expectations can create pressure for this generation of young voters, Sarah Rosca, a first-year architecture major, views that responsibility through the encouraging advice of her family.

“It can feel a little pressured toward our generation. But my parents always tell their daughters and sons to do better than they did,” Rosca said. “I want to just make a considerate choice of what goes on in the U.S.”

Ultimately, Berger emphasized that every student’s voice deserves to be heard, and the university’s goal is to make navigating that process as easy as possible.

“Most importantly, I hope students recognize that voting is not a test of whether they know enough to belong in our democracy. Their voice already belongs there,” Berger said. “Our responsibility is to make sure the process itself does not unnecessarily stand in their way.”

Flashes are setting their sights on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

To check polling locations, find sample ballots or learn more about voting, visit ����ֱ�� State Votes.