Increase in young voters could have significant impact on election

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - This year, there are more young people voting than ever before and it could have a huge impact on the election.

As a swing state, a lot of eyes are on Arizona for the general election next week and an increase in young voters going to the polls may help sway the vote in one party’s favor.

Many students at the University of Arizona are taking advantage of the on campus voting center.

“There’s so much on the ballot this election, regardless of whether you lean left or right, there’s so much and it’s so important to stand up for what you believe in. voting is the best way to do that,” said student Jake Martin.

More younger voters are making their voices heard this election season. The number of young people voting has been jumping up each election cycle.

“The reason why that’s so crucial in a state like Arizona is because our elections are becoming so incredibly close. So, we’re expecting about a quarter of Arizona voters to be young people,” said Dr. Samara Klar, Associate Professor for the School of Government and Public Policy.

Experts said there are fewer barriers than ever for younger people to get out and vote. Here in Arizona, with close races, they feel like their vote truly counts.

″Gen Z voters can have an impact and sway the outcome of this election,” said Arizona student body president Patrick Robles. “It’s a matter of whether these candidates are talking about issues that excite and impact young voters.”

Students are also getting more involved in issues important to them, like the environment, abortion access and student debt.

“The youth are voting sometimes for Democrats, sometimes for Republicans,” Klar said. “But they do tend to break for the Democrats so as that portion of the electorate grows, it is a benefit to the Democratic Party in Arizona.”

Many students are also looking for candidates who are younger or from diverse backgrounds.

″I want to see a candidate who’s willing to stand for progressive solutions and a candidate who’s not going to beat around the bush,” Robles said.