The University of Michigan’s campus is bustling with voter registration tables and calls to action for students to vote early. Despite the efforts to mobilize young voters, there is concern about the potential impact on the 2024 election if Kamala Harris falls short in Michigan. Former College Democrats co-president Jade Gray believes that blame should not be placed on young voters or marginalized communities, but rather on the campaigns themselves. The disappointment with the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict has left some young voters questioning their support for the Democratic ticket.
Gray and Anushka Jalisatgi, also a former co-president of the College Democrats, are involved in a CNN project tracking the 2024 campaign in battleground states. They previously expressed concerns about Biden’s age but now see a shift in energy and enthusiasm with Harris as the Democratic nominee. The campus is filled with voter engagement activities, and a visit from Democratic officials like Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Representative Debbie Dingell has inspired students to stay motivated in the lead-up to the election.
While the College Democrats are actively engaged in campaign activities, there is a lingering sense of discontent on campus stemming from previous protests over Israel and other issues. Online activism has continued in the absence of physical protests, with students still expressing frustration with university policies and actions. There is a divide between students like Gray and Jalisatgi who have moved on and younger students who are still grappling with these issues leading up to the election.
The College Republicans on campus are also gearing up for the election, with mixed views on Donald Trump within the group. Member Max Scheske acknowledges the diversity of opinions within the club, with some supporting Trump wholeheartedly while others are critical of his populist approach. The presence of pro-Harris signs on campus contrast with limited displays of support for Trump, reflecting the challenges facing Republicans in a heavily Democratic area like Ann Arbor.
The potential impact of young voters in the 2024 election remains uncertain, with some voicing dissatisfaction with the Democratic ticket. Students like Wayne State student Summer Matkin, who was previously leaning third party, now see Harris as the safest option despite lingering concerns about the conflict in the Middle East. However, some students, particularly those from communities directly impacted by the conflict like Palestinians, feel betrayed by the current administration’s stance on Israel. This could result in more young voters choosing third-party options in the upcoming election.
As the election approaches, tensions on campus are rising, particularly around issues related to Israel and the Middle East. Students like Maya Siegmann, who supports Harris but has concerns about her responses on these issues, are navigating complex conversations with classmates from diverse backgrounds. Siegmann is actively working to build bridges with Arab and Muslim classmates to facilitate constructive discussions despite potential disagreements. The campus remains a microcosm of the broader political divisions and challenges facing the country in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
