Julianna Keiter 

 Contributing Writer

Registration to vote in the upcoming election is coming fast, and that is apparent on campus. Since the deadline is October 21, the pressure to register has never been higher.

Volunteers on campus have recently been asking ESU students if they have registered, and the constant stream of 2024 presidential election news coverage has affected daily lives.  

Similar to 2020, Pennsylvania is expected to be a swing state that may shift the election in either candidate’s favor. This makes voter turnout on Nov. 5 extremely important. To help ensure a large turnout for this year’s presidential election, volunteers on campus have been seen asking students if they are registered to vote. 

Many of these people with clip boards are often staff of local political groups.

“I feel like most people find them annoying and they can be to an extent, but they’re ultimately doing good work because it is extremely important for people to actually vote and voice their opinions,” said sophomore psychology major Zack Santai.   

College students being away from home often face challenges when registering to vote on their own. Conflicts with academics, work and social life makes the task of registering more complicated.  

Conflicts also occur with how to vote. Voting at the polls can be difficult if college students try to vote in their hometown with their registration address being their parent’s address. This issue can be avoided by requesting a mail-in ballot by Oct. 29.  

“I think that it can be annoying for people to be constantly asked if they are registered to vote whenever they walk to and from classes,” said junior computer science and security major Nathaniel Busedu. “However, it’s a useful service at the same time as there are people on campus who do need help registering or just who have no idea on how to go through that process.”

“Regardless of political beliefs or opinions on the system it’s important to voice your opinion by voting so that you can criticize the system without having a basis. Overall, it’s useful but unfortunately many don’t want or need to register so it comes off as very annoying.” 

Having assistance and regular reminders throughout campus to register to vote ensures students are at the polls on Nov. 5. 

The 2024 election dictates the lives of many, including college students, as topics of education, healthcare and employment are in the hands of the voters.

“I feel like it is highly critical to voice your opinion on this matter.” Zack Santai finishes, “If you don’t vote in the upcoming election, you are not supporting democracy.”  

To learn more information about registering to vote follow this link: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx