Student Perspectives on Informed Voting

By Courtney Combs ‘25

Following the 2024 Presidential Election, a student intern interviewed several Stockton students and wrote about the conclusions she drew about the voting habits of her peers and how they view democracy and civic engagement. 

For many in the Stockton community, voting is about more than just casting a ballot — it is a meaningful expression of values, heritage and a commitment to civic engagement.

For students like Abriana Velez, voting is a way to honor the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for the right to vote. Velez, a student from Camden, shared that voting holds personal significance in representing her Puerto Rican heritage.

"I’m Puerto Rican, and if you guys didn’t know, we can’t vote," in presidential elections, she said, reflecting on the historical struggles of minority communities to secure voting rights. For Velez and others, voting is a way to remember the many individuals who fought and died to ensure that all people, regardless of their background, could participate in the democratic process. 

For others, voting is an opportunity to engage in the democratic process for the first time and be a part of the change they want to see in the world. Horace Adams, originally from Ghana, shared his excitement about experiencing voting in the U.S. for the first time.

"It was pretty cool because I never experienced anything about voting," he said. "I’m not from here; I’m from Ghana, so it was very different from when I was in my country. Here, there was like a whole line, and we had to wait 5 hours just to vote." 

His words highlight how meaningful the voting experience can be, especially for those coming from countries where such rights are not always guaranteed. Similarly, first-time voter Nylah Johnson expressed her desire to make an impact.

"It was my first election, and I wanted to be a part of it," Johnson shared. "I see what’s going on in the world, and I know it’s my right to go and vote, no matter if (my candidates) win or lose."

However, not all Stockton students exercised their right to vote in the 2024 election. Many cited reasons, such as forgetting to register or feeling uninformed about the political process. Josh, an admissions student worker from New York, stressed the importance of voter education.

"Start reading, start doing your research — that’s the most important part because there are a lot of people out there who aren’t informed voters," he said. "It’s not only important to know who you’re voting for, but also how to vote correctly."

For students unfamiliar with the process, resources like www.vote.org provide helpful information on voter registration and the steps involved in casting a ballot.

A recent poll from the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton revealed that a significant portion of New Jersey voters continue to question the legitimacy of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. About 24% of respondents strongly disagreed, and 9% somewhat disagreed that the election was fair and secure.

As the 2024 election neared, concerns about the accuracy of vote counting remained high, with 31% of voters expressing little or no confidence in the process. Despite this ongoing skepticism, the majority — 63% — believed the 2020 election was fair, and 68% expressed confidence in the accuracy of the 2024 election results. These findings highlight a national conversation around election security, trust in the democratic system and the need for more transparency.

For first-time voters like Grace Shotler from Mayville, the experience of casting a ballot was both exciting and rewarding.

"When I walked into the poll, it was super welcoming. Everyone cheered when they found out I was a first-time voter," she recalled. This sense of support and enthusiasm exemplifies the positive and inclusive environment that encourages people to engage with the democratic process and take part in shaping the future.

Stockton University has long played a key role in fostering civic engagement through its involvement in the American Democracy Project (ADP).

Since 2003, ADP has worked to increase political awareness and encourage voter participation within the Stockton community. By collaborating with faculty, staff and students, ADP provides programming designed to educate and empower individuals to engage with political issues.Through these efforts, Stockton helps students understand the political process and encourages active participation in elections, ensuring that they are well-equipped to make informed decisions.

As the 2024 election season concludes, it’s clear that voting is a vital tool in shaping the future. For Stockton students, it is not just about casting a vote but about engaging in the democratic process, honoring the struggles that brought about voting rights and contributing to a more informed and active society. Through education, civic participation and ongoing initiatives like ADP, Stockton students are empowered to make their voices heard and influence the decisions that will shape their future.

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