Excitement and Jitters: First-Time Voters in Charlotte Prepare for Election Day

Excitement and Jitters: First-Time Voters Share Their Thoughts Before Election Day

As Election Day fast approaches in Charlotte, you can feel the buzz in the air, especially among first-time voters who are gearing up to make their voices heard for the very first time. There’s a mix of excitement, nervousness, and a few voting-related jitters floating around, and it’s all happening at local colleges, where students are expressing what matters most to them.

First-Time Voting: A Milestone Moment

QCity Metro recently caught up with a bunch of college students from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). Among them were Jeremiah Brown and Ajunique Gans, two enthusiastic first-time voters from JCSU, both eager yet a tad anxious. “I don’t know what to expect when it comes to voting because I’ve seen the sample ballot, but I’m still not ready,” said Brown, capturing that feeling of anticipation many might relate to.

On the other hand, Gans couldn’t hide her excitement. “I am so pumped to cast my vote!” she exclaimed, reflecting an infectious enthusiasm. Kyra Washington, another first-timer, had already checked off the voting requirement early and couldn’t be happier. “I’m glad I voted already,” she shared with a sense of accomplishment. While Hannai Bradley, a 20-year-old JCSU freshman, described her first voting experience as “surreal,” emphasizing a feeling of fulfillment in finally exercising her right.

Learning and Discovering the Importance of Voting

As they navigate through their voting journeys, it’s fascinating to see how education plays a pivotal role. Essence Turner, a 29-year-old recent UNCC graduate, explained how her graduate studies molded her perspective. “I learned a lot about politics that I didn’t know before, so it opened my mind to the importance of voting,” she noted, indicating her past reluctance toward engaging with the electoral process. “Honestly, I was one of those people that was like ‘it doesn’t matter, so why do it?’”

Hot Topics on the Minds of Young Voters

This year’s election stands out with hot-button issues resonating deeply with first-time voters. Many students from JCSU and UNCC voiced their concerns over women’s rights, the economy, and LGBTQ+ rights. “Honestly, this election season, what really matters to me is voting rights [and] the rights of queer people — that’s a big one,” Bradley expressed passionately, indicating how personal the stakes feel. This sentiment was echoed by Caitlin Liversgowdy, a UNCC student who emphasized that her choices were heavily influenced by candidates’ positions on abortion and women’s rights.

Turner and Washington also highlighted Black maternal care as crucial issues affecting their voting decisions, showing that the concerns of young voters extend far beyond the ballot. Brown summed it up perfectly: “Democracy to me means actually having the freedom and will to do what you want.”

The Call to Action for Young Voters

It’s clear from these discussions that there’s a growing awareness among young voters who might have previously felt disconnected from the democratic process. Gans made an important point, noting, “It’s important for young voters to get out there and vote especially because this has a lot to do with our future.” This sentiment revealed a shared urgency among peers as they recognize the importance of shaping their future through voting.

Crucial Last Steps

As we inch closer to Election Day, college campuses in Charlotte are buzzing with conversations, debates, and a sense of community. It’s a pivotal moment for first-time voters who are not just participating in a civic duty but also shaping the future they envision. So, if you’re part of that group, remember: your voice matters. Get out there and let it be heard.

Thanks for sticking around! If you’re enjoying this peek into the lively discussions among Charlotte’s first-time voters, feel free to share this article. And as always, consider supporting local voices and stories; they’re essential as we pave the way for future generations. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference!