Florida College Student Living In A Swing State | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Florida College Student Living In A Swing State

A) You're a college student. B) You live in Florida. C) Do you know how much power you hold in the election?

5
Florida College Student Living In A Swing State
Msumadvocate

What is a swing state?

Definition: it is a state in which no single candidate or party has overwhelming support in securing that state's electoral college votes.

Facts:

-The creation of swing states happened when the winner-take-all system was put in place.

-Presidential candidates focus on swing states during the campaign trails; gaining these states allows for more electoral votes thus a greater chance of winning the election.

-There are 11 swing states: Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Florida contains approximately 4.4 million registered Republicans, about 4.6 million Democrats, and nearly 3 million independents; which allows this state to be considered as a swing state. Looking back at previous elections, Florida can either make or break a candidates shot of winning the presidency and all candidates have known this; however, times are changing. A majority of these swing voters are of the Hispanic diversity and hold ideals such as achieving the American dream. Also while doing research for this topic I have read that the days of older retirees only residing in Florida are gone and more recently a younger crowd has become growing in population. Therefore ideals and views are changing in this youth population, where now views may be more concerned with jobs and the environment rather than Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid.

Reading this I realized that I, being a college student registered to vote, hold a lot of power in this election and so do all my peers. Our ideals and political views could bring about change and be the majority in this state and other states across the country. But, looking at the last election, on average young people are only 19% out of 21% of the young voting population actually going to the polls. Which to me could be much better. However it has been increasing; if you look back at the 2004 election, when Kerry was defeated by President George W. Bush, only 17% of America's youth voted. The reason behind this is that it seems that there has been a lack of enthusiasm for college students and the youth population to register to vote and then get to the polls on Election Day.

I believe that this should change, however, especially for this year's presidential election. Be if you're in a swing state or a safe state you should vote. Although I still have no idea who I will be voting for (and to be honest I probably won't know till I step into that booth) I do know that it is important for me to participate because the young population of the U.S. can carry so much weight. And I feel that especially in Florida, which is where I go to school, it can be even more radical. Being in a swing state, having an increasing majority of young demographics, and being a major election-deciding state, I hope and shout out to all my peers and friends to go and vote this election day because we just might be the state to pick the new president.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16570
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7099
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5233
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4586
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments