Fewer young people are likely to vote in the upcoming presidential election than other age groups. The youth vote has been notable in the past two presidential elections. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the voting population is aging. Despite making up 29% of the population, 18-34 year-olds represented only 24% of the total vote in the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Even at UAS, voter turnout is low. In the 2024 Student Government elections recently held on campus, only 3% of eligible voters participated, casting a total of 43 ballots. While the 2024 SGUAS election has lower stakes than the upcoming presidential election, it’s clear that young people on campus aren’t making it to the polls.

Some UAS students are quick to highlight the importance of voting. Hannah Brennell is a sophomore majoring in Environmental Studies. In an interview with Whalesong, Brennell said she is highly motivated to vote in the upcoming election to “practice my right as an active citizen.” 

In an unofficial Whalesong survey at Campus Kickoff, students quickly indicated they would vote; however, the number of students following through is likely a different story.

Samuel DeBusk is a freshman majoring in Indigenous Studies. When asked if he’s an exception to generally low turnout among young people, DeBusk replied, “I’m not an exception to this rule.” 

“The last time I voted was two years ago for the first time,” DeBusk said. He added that since then, he has missed some voting opportunities but is determined to vote in the 2024 election.

UAS sophomore Daylon Skaflestad grew up in Hoonah and served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. “Very first vote was for my Dad in a mayoral election in 2017,” he said. 

DeBusk and Skaflestad said they are well-informed on the upcoming presidential election and know whom they will vote for, as well as when and where they can cast their ballots.  

In the upcoming election, first-time voters finally get to participate in the American political system. To do so, they must know where and when to vote, and what to bring to the polls.

Voting In-Person:

The 2024 presidential election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Those who plan to vote in-person can go to the UAS Rec Center that day, or to the polling place in their election district. Voters will need an Alaska driver’s license, hunting or fishing license, passport, or a state ID. If these are unavailable, voters can present a bank statement, utility bill, paycheck, or some other government-issued document with their name and current address. Student IDs are not a valid form of voter ID. 

Voting by Mail:

Those who cannot vote in person can still participate in the Nov. 5 presidential election by applying online for an absentee ballot no later than Oct. 26. They must provide a state ID or a valid Alaska driver’s license. Alaskans can apply at: https://absenteeballotapplication.alaska.gov/. Absentee ballots must be dropped off at a polling location or postmarked by Nov. 5.