Every single senior who’s eligible to vote plans to vote in the presidential election next week on November 5th according to The WP Wire’s Annual Voting Survey of senior government classes. This year’s survey shows much higher enthusiasm among eligible seniors than previous years, though a smaller percentage of the overall senior class are actually eligible (14%).
The past 3 year’s surveys were also asking about Mid-term elections which usually have lower voter turnout.
At the time of the survey, a month ago, only 81.5% of eligible seniors registered at that time, but they had until 22 days before the general election to do so. Voters may even register through voting day using a provisional ballot.
Henry Casey, one of the many seniors planning to vote in the next election, says he is “really excited to vote for the first time this year. I actually got pre-registered when I was a Junior and it was super easy.”
During the last presidential election in 2020, The Wire’s 2020 poll found just 23.1% of eligible seniors had registered to vote and only 25% of seniors registered to vote planned to vote, so this year’s survey underscores the energy behind eligible seniors.
Piper and Brooke Qutub, twins from the class of 2023, will be voting absentee this year at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and University of Pittsburgh respectively.
“Having the opportunity to vote in this year’s election has been very empowering because I know I am directly shaping my country and community. It also makes me feel hopeful that I’m making a difference and to have my voice be hear in the government,” Piper Qutub said.
She hopes that Gen Z will make strong statement, “… it’s incredibly important for young people to vote because we represent the future. Voting helps make sure our interests and concerns are heard by the government and we can impact decisions that will affect us for years.”
Students, if you voted in the election this year, tag us on Insta at @thewpwire to show off your “I voted!” sticker.
