As the election draws closer, political content can be seen almost everywhere. From social media, streaming platforms, billboards, the radio, and on your TV, advertisements are showing support for certain candidates, or tearing down others. But do college students even care?

Some collegiate or secondary education students overlook politics, and as a result, it harms the age group as a whole. Most 18 to 24-year-olds in America are either entering the workforce straight from high school or seeking higher education and attending a college or university. In October of 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 61.4 percent of 2023 high school graduates ages 16-24 were enrolled in colleges or universities. However, in 2020 the Pew Research Center found that around two-thirds of registered voters for that year did not have a college degree. 

So, why should those in college care about the election? 

Politicians see the numbers. They see who’s voting and who’s not. They cater to the people who vote the most. Not individuals, but age groups. Younger people have been voting more recently, as 57% of registered voters 18-34 voted in 2020 according to the US Census Bureau. While that may seem like a large percentage, in 2020, 74% of registered voters 65 and older cast a ballot. Politicians are spending more time, money, and energy on issues that older Americans are concerned with, simply because they vote more.

The most salient issue for our age group is student debt. It is estimated by the Education Data Archive that the average student loan debt is $37,853. It is projected that it will take the average student close to 20 years to pay back their student loans. The federal government does help aid students though, with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FASFA for short. 

The FAFSA department says they have approximately $114.1 billion to give out in grants and loans. New Jersey residents also have the advantage of applying for funds through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, or HESSA. 

This pales in comparison to the amount of money the government spends on programs that benefit people in the 65+ age range. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2022 spent more than $944 billion. That is around $830 billion more than what the federal government spent on making college more affordable. 

Most voters 65 and older are currently collecting Social Security. The Social Security Administration states that they have $1.39 trillion in budgetary resources, and plan on using $1.34 trillion of that on their obligations.  Numbers like that speak for themselves. Older Americans are getting more aid on issues that they are concerned about, and this is in an effort for politicians to stay off the hot seat. 

As a young college student, what I’ve heard from students here at Rowan and beyond is the common argument of, “my one vote won’t change anything,”

And that’s partially true. One vote will not make or break an election. But if you look at votes from the number of age groups, races, and genders, you will find that statistically they get grouped together. While my vote or your vote might not be enough, all of our votes together force the politicians in charge to take notice. 

So, if more college students vote and demand that politicians invest more resources into financial aid to make school more affordable, then politicians are more likely to take notice. Or for those of us attending college in New Jersey, we can advocate to lower the cost of living statewide. 

This way, post-graduation, college students can get jobs in New Jersey in order to keep living their lives in the Garden State. These are just a few of the things that one vote can’t accomplish, but thousands of votes can. 

Do your research on candidates in federal, state, and local elections. Learn about issues that matter to you and choose candidates that you believe will make the changes you see fit. The point of all of this, though, is voting. If you don’t cast your ballot, you will be losing out on a critical way to make a difference and bring the changes you want to see in the world.  

If we as college students want to see our debts shortened, prices drop, and to live in our home state after graduation, we need to come together, voice our concerns, and most importantly: vote to make positive change.

For comments/questions about this story DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email thewhit.opinion@gmail.com