Voting Forecast

To some young voters and students at Porterville College, the national election still matters.

In his 2008 campaign then candidate Barack Obama targeted a core group of voters that of the younger generation and they helped to propel him into the White House. In this election Nov. 6, students at PC don’t appear quite as enthused, but still have their opinions on who they would like to see win come November.  

“It is your job to vote,” said student Richard Woods who did not want to name his candidate choice. He further explained that his candidate encompassed what the country needed. “Looking at everything in the news one person better represents the majority than the other.”

The issues that are important to him include job security, education and women’s rights; specifically their right to choose.

His advice to first time voters is precise.

“Really pay attention to the facts, research the facts and make sure who they vote for will represent their interests,” stated Woods.

Unlike Woods, Jeannae Carmichael hasn’t picked a candidate yet.

“I know very little,” said Carmichel who added that she has been researching, but has not made up her mind. Issues important to her include abortion, student loans and the amount of money that is being spent on the military. She added that the latter’s money could be better spent if used elsewhere.

One young first time voter was not shy about her choice.

“Obama. He’s been doing a pretty good job,” said Aresly Alvarado. “Romney is against Mexicans. He doesn’t like Mexicans in the United States.”

She explained that Obama’s decision to sign the Dream Act clinched her choice.

“My sister-in-law always wanted to come to school and is here everyday,” explained Alvarado who added that people should vote for Obama for one simple reason. “There’s always a second chance for everybody,” added Alvarado.

One student, though not in the same age category as the others, was considering voting for the first time.

“It’s really against my religion. Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t vote, but I want to,” said Shannon Mceachern who added that some of the issues important to her include funding for schools and medical care. According to Mceachern, Obama’s chance is pretty good.

Jeff Keele, a professor of political science and economics at PC, pointed out that young people are always important to every election. However, unlike the 2008 campaign in which President Barrack Obama targeted the core group of young voter in his Vote for Change Campaign, the momentum, in his classes, does not seem to be there.

“I’m not sensing any extraordinary enthusiasm or any sort of lack of interest either,” said Keele who added that the former part maybe due to the erosion of the uniqueness of the candidate.

“The novelty of a man so young and the first majority party candidate who is a minority is gone,” stated Keele.

However, he pointed out that elections matter.

“Elections are a time that we as a people determine what direction our country is going to be headed in the next couple of years. Young people should have more interest. They will be dealing with it longer,” added Keele.