SAN ANTONIO – Young voters in Texas are determined to make their voices heard as they push for changes they believe will shape America’s future.
At San Antonio College, students shared the issues that matter most to them as they reflect on the recent election season and look ahead to President Donald Trump’s second term.
“I want to see a safer environment,” said one student at San Antonio College, underscoring concerns about safety and security in the coming years.
Many of the students we spoke to discussed a wide range of issues they hope to see addressed, including immigration, affordable housing and Social Security.
“I want to see less of a problem with, you know, immigrants, illegal immigrants, coming into the United States,” one voter explained. “I want to see reduced costs for cheaper housing and lower gas prices.”
Others expressed concern about long-term financial security, including Social Security reform.
“Maybe the main thing I want to see is a renewal of our Social Security,” said another student. “We’re all eventually going to retire, and I want to be able to put some policies in place, or see some policies that will benefit us in the future.”
Despite national trends showing a decline in youth voter registration since the 2020 election, Texas saw a slight uptick in youth voter turnout.
According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), the percentage of registered voters aged 18 to 29 in Texas rose 5% ahead of the election.
This increase reflects the growing engagement of young voters in the state, many of whom are eager for tangible change.
“I just want to see us in a better place than we’ve been in general,” said one San Antonio College student, expressing frustration with the current state of politics.
As the political landscape continues to be shaped by polarization, many young voters are calling for a return to civility and cooperation.
“Modern politics, at least as long as I’ve been aware, has been almost like fan clubs,” commented one student. “There’s hate on both sides. You can’t say it’s just one party, you hate the other and vice versa. I think we as Americans should compromise and believe that we should vote for the good of America.”
As the 2024 election season unfolds, many young voters are tired of the divisiveness that has defined much of modern American politics.
“I feel like it really just takes away from what politics is supposed to be about…politics is really about compromise and doing your best to serve the public,” one student said. “Having fan clubs doesn’t.”
These students, part of a larger movement of young voters, want to see real solutions from leaders at both the national and local levels.
As the country moves forward, they are watching closely to see how candidates from both sides of the political spectrum will work to address their issues.
The eyes of America’s youth are on the political leaders, and they are determined to hold them accountable for the changes they voted for.
As the nation prepares for another round of elections, the impact of young voters will continue to be a significant force.
Whether or not their votes will lead to significant policy change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Young voters in Texas and across the country are committed to shaping a future that reflects their values and priorities.
