By Alora Peters, Editor-in-Chief
Election Day is fast approaching, falling this year on Tuesday, November 8. Early voting is underway in many states, including Florida, meaning that U.S. citizens are already filling out their ballots in favor of the candidates, amendments, and policies they most support.
Students at Saint Leo University are excited to exercise their right to vote and shared their opinions on the upcoming midterms with The Lions’ Pride Media Group.
Surveyed students agreed that there are a variety of deeply important issues and policies on the ballot this November. Immigration was frequently cited as one of the most critical.
“I think one of the biggest issues in the election is always going to be the immigrants and how they are handled, what they are granted and what they aren’t,” said Sofia Cabrera, a senior majoring in criminal justice. “I just wish there could be a nice middle ground.”
Gun control, abortion, and inflation were other issues students cited as being influential in the upcoming election.
“I think some Floridians are upset about the current administration, the way the government in the White House is being run right now,” said Tyler Velazquez, a senior majoring in criminal justice and minoring in legal studies. “Inflation, prices of groceries—you’ve seen a lot of people upset about that recently.”
Some students will be heading to the polls for the first time this election.
“I just registered to vote this year,” said Salvatore Polizzi, a freshman majoring in political science.
Saint Leo students who live near University Campus largely plan to vote in-person on Election Day.
“I tend to like to vote on Election Day,” said Kyle McGraw, a senior studying criminal justice with a specialization in homeland security. “It makes me feel like I’m doing my part.”
Other students who are far from home said that voting by mail is a necessary option.
“I’m a New York resident, so I actually have to get an absentee ballot to vote in the state,” said Polizzi.
Some students were open about who they plan on voting for in the midterm elections, but other students worried about being judged based on their political beliefs.
“I just prefer to keep it private,” said Cabrera. “A lot of people misconstrue others’ political views.”
Students also advised new voters to be wary of confrontational situations.
“When you’re having a conversation with someone, if they’re not understanding where you’re coming from, instead of letting it get heightened…just remove yourself,” said Cabrera. “You don’t have to prove to someone how you feel is valid. Politics can get very heated and I wouldn’t want someone to feel it was personal.”
Political differences aside, however, all students stressed that voting is an important civic duty.
“My number one thing that I recommend to people is: do it,” said McGraw. “It’s your job as an American.”
Nonetheless, students also agreed that thoroughly understanding candidates and their policies is crucial to making an informed voting decision.
“I should look at the key components…at the pros and the cons, to really understand what we’re voting for and why we’re voting,” said Briana Morris, a junior studying education.
Surveyed students believe that voters should vote based on their own personal beliefs and findings, rather than simply voting based on popular opinion.
“Do your own independent research,” said McGraw. “Don’t follow what your family likes, what your friends like, what’s popular on social media…I don’t think any of that should play a role.”
In conclusion, Saint Leo students suggested that education on political issues is the best way to be a responsible voter.
“Get educated on the stuff that’s happening in the world,” said Velazquez. “I think many people go into voting kind of blind. To better educate yourself is to become a better citizen.”
