As the 2024 election looms, a group of first-time voters at Tufts University gathered to witness the unfolding results, acutely aware of the profound impact this pivotal moment will have on their lives and the trajectory of the nation. Hundreds of students convened at an election party, eager to engage with the democratic process and make their voices heard.

Forging a New Path: The Influential Role of Young Voters

Navigating a Pivotal Moment

The students at Tufts University are navigating a unique and dynamic election cycle, one that will undoubtedly shape the policies and priorities that will define their futures. Zachary Zinman, the president of Tufts Democrats, acknowledged the "weird" nature of this first-time voting experience, but recognized the profound implications of the presidential contest between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. "We're going to see the direct effects of all these policies that are going to be implemented in the near future," Zinman said, underscoring the high stakes at play.

Diverse Perspectives, Shared Concerns

The student body at Tufts University represents a diverse tapestry of political affiliations and ideological leanings. Leah Scoppa, an 18-year-old Democrat and Tufts student from Connecticut, expressed the deep personal significance of this election, particularly as a woman. "There's a lot of rights personally for me as a woman," she said, voicing her concerns over the potential implications of a Trump victory, which she described as "really scary."In contrast, Ethan Putlack, the 21-year-old president of Tufts Republicans, is hopeful for a Trump win, believing it's time for a change. "We had four years of a Democratic administration, I would rather not see another four years," he said, echoing a desire for a shift in political power. Putlack also expressed a preference for more Republicans in Congress, as he believes it would help minimize the frequent close votes that can lead to "bending to the whim of one or two people."

Bridging the Divide

Despite the polarized political landscape, the young voters at Tufts University recognize the importance of finding common ground and overcoming differences in the aftermath of the election. Kunal Botla, a 19-year-old from Lexington, emphasized the need to "try to reconcile at a human level what people are thinking about," underscoring the value of respectful dialogue and understanding.Lauren Baker, an 18-year-old Tufts student from Texas, offered a pragmatic perspective, advising against attempts to change a friend's political views. "If they're a good person, it's still not worth losing that friendship. If you like them as a person, have respectful conversations and move on," she said, highlighting the importance of preserving relationships in the face of political differences.

The Youth Vote: A Harbinger of the Future

The students at Tufts University understand the profound significance of the youth vote in this election. Joao Ribiero, a 22-year-old from Danvers and the president of Tufts Federalist Society, observed that young voters are increasingly perceiving the government as ineffective, leading to a yearning for more government intervention.Maddie, a Tufts alumna from Hingham who supports Harris despite being a Republican, emphasized the role of the Gen Z and Millennial vote in shaping the future trajectory of the country. "The Gen Z and Millennial vote right now is going to be a forecast of what we want 10 years from now," she said, "and what we will be working towards."As the nation grapples with the profound implications of the 2024 election, the young voters at Tufts University stand at the forefront of this pivotal moment, determined to shape the future they envision for themselves and generations to come.