Interviews with Female College-Aged Voters

“College campuses are home to political discourse that has reflected the dissatisfaction of society for generations. According to the United States Census Bureau, only 38% of 18 and 24 voted in the 2012 presidential election. That’s less than half of potential influence that young people could have on policies that directly impact their lives. This voting block has enough weight to swing elections; however, their voting turn out remains extremely low, but why?”United States Census Bureau

Alexandra Patina Age: 20, Major: Elementary Education & History First Time Voter: Don’t plan on voting, Not registered Parents view: Dad- Not Politically Active, Mom- Democrat Issues that are important to you: “I don’t think that I can make a change so I don’t get involved.” “I think that the woman should have the right to choose. I don’t think the gov’t should have a say.” “I feel like the federal gov’t should have less of a role. “ Feeling about the political process: “I think this election is saying that our county is a joke.” “I don’t think the polls are an accurate representation.” Does it matter that Hilary is a woman? “It doesn’t matter to me that she is a woman”

Rachel Dager Name: Rachel Dager Age: 22, Major: Communications First Time Voter: Yes -Didn’t vote last year Parents view: “They used to be more Republican. My dad is now independent.” “Dad doesn’t agree with liberal financial views Issues that are important to you.” “I think that Donald Trump is a very ignorant man. “ “I would not like if he was president.” Feeling about the political process: “I think it is ridiculous that Trump has gotten this far.” “It blows my mind.” “It is all a spectacle.” Does it matter that Hilary is a woman? “It doesn’t sway my vote”

Katherine Segall Age: 22, Major: Criminology First Time Voter: No Parents view: Registered Independent Issues that are important to you: “We need to secure the border.” “We need stronger treatment programs in order to end mass incarceration.” Feeling about the political process: “Too many people are uninformed” “Primary process needs to be altered” Does it matter that Hilary is a woman? “If someone can get the job done, than gender doesn’t matter.”

Nicole Hroncich Age: 21, Major: Finance First Time Voter: No Parents view: Dad- Independent, Mom- Republican Issues that are important to you: “I think that everyone should be tax the same percentage.” “I want someone that will stand firm against other countries.” “I want someone who is a good political face.” Feeling about the political process: “I feel that today it is based on social media. I don’t think that young voters know the facts. They just harp on the popular news.” Does it matter that Hilary is a woman ? “It sways my opinion negatively that she is a woman.” “I don’t think that the president should be a woman.” “None of the candidates have what I want in a president.”

Jamie Purcell Age: 22, Major: Elem. Ed. & History First Time Voter: Yes Parents view: Mom- Republican, Dad- not politically active Issues that are important to you: “I think that if you are raped than you should be able to abort your baby.” “I don’t think that everyone should have free healthcare.” “People work hard to earn their healthcare.” Feeling about the political process: “We are doomed” Does it matter that Hilary is a woman? “Yes, I don’t think a woman should be president”

Kristen Foerg Age: 22, Major: Accounting First Time Voter: No Parents view: Republicans Issues that are important to you: “A strong military” “Cut social programs” Feeling about the political process: “It’s bad news out there.” Does it matter that Hilary is a woman? No

Samantha Southard Age: 22, Major: Spec. Ed. & Psychology First Time Voter: No Parents view: Dad- Republican, Mom-not politically engaged Issues that are important to you: “A strong foreign policy.” “I look for the trustworthiness of candidates.” Feeling about the political process: “It embarrassing.” “Other countries must laugh at us” Does it matter that Hilary is a woman? No

Mikayla Mulligan Age: 21, Major: Nursing First Time Voter: No Parents view: Republican Issues that are important to you: “I’m undecided about universal healthcare.” “I hope that the stock market improves.” “I’m looking for a candidate to stop Isis” Feeling about the political process: “I think it’s good that we have diverse options, but I think you should have experience” Does it matter that Hilary is a woman “Yes negative” “She’s too emotional” “But I did like Carly Fiorna”

Lauren Heddy Age: 22, Major: Nursing First Time Voter: No Parents view: Democrats Issues that are important to you: Promoting universal healthcare Women’s and children’s rights Decimalization of marijuana Feeling about the political process: “It not entirely fair or democratic as it used to be due to Super Pacs.” Does it matter that Hilary is a woman No “Her views still align with mine.”