By Dominic DiNatale
As the 2028 election approaches, young adults are reflecting on whether and how they plan to vote. Conversations across campus reveal both enthusiasm and uncertainty about participation among young adults.
A study by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University found that by a large margin, young voters selected the economy and jobs as the most important issue facing the country, followed by abortion and immigration. The study reported that young voters who prioritized abortion were overwhelmingly likely to vote for Kamala Harris, while those who considered the economy or immigration their top issue favored Donald Trump by wide margins.
“I’ll definitely be voting,” said Kate Guilday. “The economy matters, but for me, abortion and women’s rights are the biggest issues. I feel like our generation can’t afford to stay silent anymore.”
Other students expressed more uncertainty. Patrick Lamas said he was unsure whether his vote would have an impact. “I know it’s important, but sometimes it seems like our votes don’t really change anything,” he said. “Politicians make promises about jobs and the economy, but it’s hard to trust they’ll actually follow through.”
Joseph Turenne emphasized civic duty as his motivation to vote. “Even if you’re frustrated, the point is to participate,” he said. “Every generation says their vote doesn’t matter, and that’s how nothing changes.”
Austin Spooner said he was still learning about the process. “It’s only my second time,” he said. “I’m learning about registration deadlines and absentee ballots. It’s confusing, but I know it’s something I need to figure out.”
A second CIRCLE analysis on youth voting behavior identified gender differences in issue priorities. The report found that young men were more likely to select the economy and jobs as their biggest issue, while young women were four times as likely to choose abortion as the most important issue in determining their vote. According to the study, these differences may have contributed to the gender gap among young voters observed in recent elections.
To provide insight into what drives these patterns, Alex Chiavaras, who previously worked on a Massachusetts House of Representatives campaign, discussed the factors influencing young voter engagement. “Young voters are motivated by issues that directly affect them,” Chiavaras said. “When they see how policy impacts their lives, whether that’s student loans, wages, or reproductive rights, they are more likely to vote.”
Chiavaras also noted that procedural changes can discourage participation. “Some students aren’t sure where to vote or how to get absentee ballots if they live away from home,” he said. “Making the process clearer and easier could help increase turnout.” While opinions differ among Stonehill students, findings from CIRCLE suggest that issue priorities continue to shape how young adults approach voting. Many students will make decisions based on which concerns resonate most strongly with their personal experiences and values.
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