As the Nov. 5 presidential election approaches, students are facing challenges casting their ballots. Southern Utah University’s enrollment has increased over recent years, which means many new students are voting for the first time and have to navigate these challenges.
As of Oct. 2024, over 15,444 students are enrolled at SUU. According to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, the challenges students are exposed to include hometown registration, an inactive voting status or inexperience voting.
Election participation increased 50% in the 2020 presidential election for voters between the ages of 18 and 29. However, young people are still facing barriers in this process including lack of education about voting deadlines, logistics and locations.
“It’s not a matter of apathy when youth turnout is low,” said CIRCLE spokesperson Alberto Medina. “There’s this perception that voting is easy and it’s straightforward and everyone should be able to figure out how to do it. And that’s not the case.”
Voter registration closed Oct. 25, though students hoping to vote can still register at an early voting location or Election Day location with a valid form of ID. With roughly 18 million undergraduate students nationwide, these ballots account for a sizable portion of votes.
One challenge college students may face is having valid voter identification. Utah requires voters to provide one photo ID or two forms of non-photo identification when voting. This means students can provide an accepted form of photo ID, from a Utah driver’s license to a US passport. Other forms of identification can include birth certificates, social security cards, or recent utility bills.
Although students have some voting difficulties, a recent Harvard survey showed that more young people have shown enthusiasm for voting than in previous years.
Ballot drop boxes for Utah voters can be found across Iron County, with two in Cedar City: one at the Parking Garage by the Heritage Center and one in the student center rotunda. These drop boxes provide ease and convenience for students who already registered to vote and simplify the election process nationwide. Those registered to vote outside of Utah will have to mail in their ballot prior to Nov. 4 or travel home to vote.
Though students may opt out of participating in the 2024 election, the next presidential election will be held in 2028. In preparation, students can update their voter information and research candidates. Questions regarding voting status and voting in Iron County can be directed to vote.utah.org or jwhittaker@ironcounty.net.
Author: Anna Mower
Photographer: Anna Mower
Editor: Tessa Cheshire
news@suunews.net
