With the Nov. 5 election right around the corner, many San Diego State University students are looking forward to casting their votes. For a lot of SDSU students, the upcoming presidential election will be the first presidential election they are eligible for.

Students plan to vote because they feel the outcome of the election will impact the younger generations the most.

“I think it is important for the younger people to be voting because it is our future on the line,” said Riley Shepherd. Like many others, this will be Shepherd’s first time voting in a presidential election. 

Despite this, some students are choosing to abstain from voting in the election.

Student Ralph Contreras had originally planned on voting but his plans have since changed. “Prior to a few years ago I would have voted but I do not wish to be targeted because of who I vote for,” said Contreras.

Contreras has taken a step back from engaging in political conversation as he feels the discourse around politics has been too negative.

“Not everyone is going to like what you like and that’s okay,” said Contreras.

For other students like Shane Fay, picking a candidate is not so black and white. Some students will be voting Independent.

“I would very much like to support a third party to help break the barrier that it’s either left or right in every election,” said Fay.

Those who will be heading to the polls will be doing so for a number of reasons. Students cited that the reason they are voting is to ensure that their voices are heard.

“I believe it is important for everyone’s voices to be heard on issues they care about,” said student Gavin Dickson. “The easiest way to do that is by voting in elections.”

Another reason students are eager to cast their vote is to have an impact on how at least the next four years will play out. For student Samantha Rivas, voting in the upcoming election is about more than who the next president will be.

“I think it is important for students to vote so we can have a say in decisions that affect our lives directly,” said Rivas. “By voting, we can contribute to changes and improvements in our education system, job opportunities and other important issues that affect us as young adults.”

Regardless of whether or not students will vote, resources have been made available to students to educate themselves on the election.

Young adults have some of the lowest participation when compared to other voting demographics.

“I think the younger generation has not as much exposure to the political system as well as the push to vote compared to the older generation,” said Alex Hoffman. “It was more of a standardized topic for the older generations.”

San Diego State University’s Associated Students brought back it’s annual Rock the Vote initiative. Rock the Vote encourages voter participation and provides students with the necessary registration information. 

“Our goal is to ensure students have the resources they need to register, stay informed and ultimately make their voice heard,” said Derrick Herrera, Associated Students Vice President of External Relations, in an article posted by San Diego State.

Last month, Rock the Vote hosted educational events like a presidential debate watch event, a San Diego City Council District 9 candidate forum, and an educational session on advancing sustainability through civic engagement.

Rock the Vote will be continuing to put on more events in the weeks leading up to the closing of the polls.

This election offers an opportunity for students to exercise their right to vote for many of them for the first time.

For more information on the upcoming election, visit California’s website.