Excitement Among Students in College Station as Beto O’Rourke Hits the Campus
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — On a bright Thursday, former U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke made a spirited stop at Texas A&M University as part of his Ready to Vote tour. The purpose? To rally college students in Texas to get out and vote in the upcoming November elections. This visit couldn’t have come at a better time, given the recent momentum around youth voting and engagement.
Engaging Young Voters
O’Rourke’s message was loud and clear: young voters have power. He spoke about how, back in 2018, students aged 18-22 turned out in record numbers for midterm elections, showing a whopping 508% increase in participation. With the upcoming elections anticipated to be tight, both Democrats and Republicans know how vital it is to grab the attention and support of this demographic. The enthusiasm among students was palpable as O’Rourke encouraged them to carry that energy into the polls.
Jackson Farris, a student who attended the event, shared his thoughts on the importance of voting. He stated, “I feel like everybody should have the ability to express their voice and who they want to be represented by. I think voting is very important for basically the laws that rule you and govern you.” His words encapsulate the drive many students felt during the event.
Preparation is Key
Before the talk, students were invited to check on their voter registration status, update their information, or even register on the spot with the help of enthusiastic volunteers. O’Rourke emphasized, “We want to make sure that you have the right form of ID when you go in,” adding useful details about early voting starting on October 21. He listed crucial information such as voting hours, polling locations, and understanding the candidates on the ballot that would represent their values.
Topics of Concern
As the audience soaked in O’Rourke’s insights, many students were eager to discuss the issues that mattered most to them heading into this election season. Nia Nickens spoke passionately about her top concerns, which included abortion rights, voting rights, and student debt relief. Farris brought attention to health care, women’s rights, and the urgent need for common-sense gun laws alongside climate change.
Matthew Bleier also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of women’s reproductive rights, gun control, climate change, and LGBTQ rights — issues that resonate strongly with many young voters today. This kind of dialogue showcases the importance of aligning political representation with the values of the younger generation.
Empowerment Through Representation
The recent shifts to the presidential ticket have also sparked excitement among young Democrats. Farris shared, “With Harris, it feels like there’s so much more energy because she’s younger and she’s bringing a whole lot more to the table.” Nickens echoed his sentiments, expressing her enthusiasm for seeing diverse representation in the highest offices, saying, “Seeing representation in the highest rank of office would be amazing. And I’ve been following Tom Hook for some time, so I’m excited to vote.”
Voting on Campus
O’Rourke’s visit was part of a larger movement to energize student voters and equip them with the knowledge necessary for informed voting. The Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M will serve as a polling place for students on election day, making it more convenient for them to exercise their right to vote.
In conclusion, O’Rourke’s stop at Texas A&M not only highlighted the pressing issues at stake this election but also motivated students to take charge of their futures through voting. The atmosphere buzzed with optimism, as students prepared to make their voices heard in the upcoming elections. After all, it’s their future, and they are ready to shape it.
