SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – As voters head to the polls on Election Day, two college students in Syracuse say participating in elections is one way young people can make their voices heard and influence the future of their communities.
Syracuse University student Maya Stone said voting gives people an opportunity to create change in their communities and across their states.
“If we want things to change in our communities and our states, we have to be the ones to make those changes,” Stone said. “And by doing that is to vote.”
For Stone, staying informed is also an important part of participating in the political process. She said she regularly follows news organizations to keep up with current events and political issues.
Stone said having access to that information has encouraged her to become more involved in elections.
“This stuff is happening. We need to make a difference,” Stone said.
Syracuse University Student Alexa Korrie also emphasized the importance of voting, saying it allows people to advocate for themselves and support candidates whose values align with their own.
Korrie said social media has become an important resource for younger generations looking to learn more about elections and the issues on their ballots.
“News organizations are meeting students where they are, namely on social media,” Korrie said.
She encouraged students to stop their typical scrolling and look for additional information through news websites and university resources.
As Election Day brings voters to polling locations across Onondaga County, both students emphasized that young people have an important role in the voting process.
For Stone and Korrie, participating in elections starts with understanding the issues and taking the opportunity to make their voices heard.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: College students emphasize importance of voting and staying informed on Election Day
Guadalupe: It is officially election Day. And while voters are making their voices heard at the polls, college students say participating in elections is especially important for younger generations. For college students, voting is one way to help shape the future of their communities. Maya Stone says change starts with people being willing to participate,
Stone: If we want things to change in our communities and our states, like, we have to be the ones to make those changes. And by doing that is to vote.
Guadalupe: But participating also means understanding the issues on the ballot. Student Alexa Korrie says social media and online news sources can help younger voters stay informed.
Korrie: News organizations are meeting students where they are, namely on social media. So go on social media. When you’re just scrolling through your Instagram Reels or whatever it may be, look up some things.
Guadalupe: Stone also says following news coverage has encouraged her to become more involved in the political process.
Stone: So I feel like I’m pretty, like, informed on politics and like having that information has made me strongly encouraged to go vote because like, this stuff is happening. We need to make a difference.
Guadalupe: For these college students, casting a ballot means having a voice in the decisions that shape their community and their future. And after speaking to these two, their message is clear. Young people do have a place in the political process. Gabriela Guadalupe, NCC news.