2024 Presidential Election: Centenary Students Weigh In

The Cyclone Chronicle student newspaper conducted a campus-wide straw poll at Centenary University on Thursday, Oct. 10, surveying students’ willingness to vote in the upcoming election. Student journalists were stationed at key locations across campus to gather insights and opinions from diverse groups of students.

“Man-On-The-Street” Survey

A total of 82 students were polled and asked if they’d like to participate in a survey, if they plan on voting, and why.

The Cyclone Chronicle paired their staff to poll students around campus for an hour during the newspaper’s class time. Pairs recorded responses on reporter pads and took an anonymous tally of presidential candidate votes on the back of the pad.

Students on campus were surveyed in the Cyclone Dining Hall, throughout the David and Carol Lackland Center, the Littell Technology Center, Taylor Memorial Library, Campus Starbucks, the Commuter Lounge, the Seay Administration Building, dorm halls, and the Reeves Student Recreation Center.

The newspaper staff pollsters were generally well-received. However, Alexis d’Ambly, managing editor, and Troy Sumpter, staff writer, collected responses from 15 students before being asked to leave the Cyclone Dining Hall by its staff.

Polling and gathering student opinions began shortly after 2:00 p.m. on a Thursday, a peak class time. Because of the timing, most students were in class, making it challenging to find large groups of students to survey.

However, the newspaper staff successfully polled 82 students, 8.6% percent of the 956 degree-seeking students in the university. 

A total of 59 anonymously polled students, or 72 percent, were willing to pick their candidate. Democratic nominee Kamala Harris won the poll with 33 votes, or 55 percent. A total of 23, or 39 percent, voted for Republican nominee Donald Trump and 3, or 5.1 percent, were undecided.

Anonymous Student Comments

A handful of students indicated their decision to vote is solely because they can or have to. “Yes, I’m voting. I don’t know why, though. It’s what everyone else is doing. Not that the options are great,” reported a student. 

However, several students had other reasons.

One student told the Cyclone Chronicle staff, “I will vote. I’ll vote because it’s a very important election this time, and it’s the first one I will vote in.”

Another student said, “Yes, I will be voting because I’m tired of people complaining without taking action. It’s time to do something about it.”

Another student defined voting as a “right we have that we need to utilize.”

Of students polled, only 18, or 22 percent, told newspaper staff they were not going to vote. 

Three, or 8.5 percent, said they were undecided. One student said they were new to voting and needed to think hard before deciding.

Trends

While many students said they will vote because they feel they have to, one student specified, “Yes, I feel obligated to do so for those who don't have the privilege of voting.”

Subsequently, several students answered, “Voting affects the world we live in and makes our voices matter.” Many also said they want their voice heard.

Others felt this is the most imperative year to vote because there are a lot of important issues for women.

Students who chose not to vote didn't express specific reasons. Many commented on an indifference towards voting. However, some said they don’t follow or care about politics or aren’t registered. The students who weren’t registered were advised that October 15 was the last day to do so.

How CU Supports Voters

Centenary University actively encourages students to engage in the voting process, especially during this significant presidential election year. Upon entering the Lackland Center, you may be asked if you’ve registered to vote or want to take a quick pledge survey. At one point, Centenary was ranked #5 in the nation, with 8.29% of students pledging to vote in Ballot Bowl 2024.

The Student Voting Resources page on the Centenary website offers clear guidance on voter eligibility, registration status, and provides a first-time voter checklist. Students can also register to vote online, find polling places, and set voting reminders! The university emphasizes respect, inclusivity, and civil discourse as essential elements of a thriving intellectual community.

Centenary’s Student Government Association (SGA) is also pushing for students to stay politically engaged. On October 8, they posted on Instagram (@centenary_sga) for National Voter Education Week, reminding students to register to vote. The post directed students to nationalvotereducationweek.org for help with voter enrollment.

Excused Classes

President Caldwell announced via email on September 10 that Centenary students will receive excused absences from class for voting on Tuesday, Nov. 5, with poll workers also excused.

“Centenary University proudly supports and encourages all students, faculty, and staff to exercise their right to vote and to actively engage in our democracy,” said Caldwell.

Voting Dates

With Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, absentee ballots must be requested by Oct. 29 and returned by mail or in person by Nov. 5, 8:00 p.m. EST. Early voting runs from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3. 

Voting is a privilege that allows people to exercise their rights and influence the country's leadership. If you’re eligible to vote, make your voice heard!