For many Pitt students, election marks first time voting for president

Four years ago, Barack Obama emerged with a fresh, energizing message of change that attracted young voters to the world of politics.

Now, only four years later, as President Obama faces off against Republican nominee Mitt Romney, many young people are still teetering between the two candidates only weeks before Election Day.

Each presidential election brings a sweep of new voters who have matured past the legal age of 18. These first-time voters add a new flavor to the issues that are discussed and the opinions that are made — if they so choose to participate.

According to Pitt Political Science Professor Kristen Allen, first-time voters introduce “new blood” into the electorate. She added that a fresh set of values and upbringings contribute to the novelty of the youth vote.

But in Allen’s opinion, this year’s young voters have “lost the enchantment” that pervaded the 2008 election. She said many young people are simply not interested.

Political Science professor Shannon Scotece attributed the lack of interest to Obama’s incumbency and the current state of affairs.

“Young people are facing an uncertain economy and are just not as enthusiastic as they were in 2008,” Scotece said in an email. “Polls show that fewer young people are planning to come out for Obama than last election.”

Nevertheless, Obama still holds the statistical majority of the youth vote, according to Scotece.

Aderin Falana, an undecided freshman who plans on applying to the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, said she is still unsure which candidate will receive her first vote.

“We want Obama out because of what he has or has not done. We want a new candidate, but we don’t necessarily want Romney, or maybe we do want Romney,” Falana said, referring to fellow youth voters. “It’s at a stalemate for a lot of people.”

Another major deterrent for young voters is their lack of interest in the issues at hand.

“Young people don’t feel like they need to be involved,” Allen said. “They don’t realize that every election, every law and every level of government affects them.”

Political Science teaching assistant Eric Loepp equivocated young voters’ disinterest with their reluctance to educate themselves about the candidates and issues. Even after that, they must take the time to register and locate their polling places.

“People are not anti-voting,” Loepp said, referring to young peoples’ willingness to vote for a winner in game shows and polls. “To vote in a political election, it’s more than just texting an answer.”

Mitch Martin, a sophomore majoring in Global Management, acknowledged the new responsibility that comes with the ability to vote.

“It’s a new area that I have to pay attention to, now,” Martin said. “When I was younger, I didn’t have to pay attention as much.”

Since this election could be the first exposure to the election process for some voters, the dishonesty that exists among candidates might come as a shock.

“Younger people don’t have much knowledge of politics and take candidates at face value,” Allen said. “[Politicians] do lie.”

And for some students, this dishonesty is frustrating.

“It’s infuriating that they never give a straight answer,” Falana said.

In some cases, the candidates’ constant evasion of questions has discouraged young people from voting. Sophomore Clay Kerekes does not plan to cast a ballot for this election.

“[The candidates] get asked a question, and they take the most roundabout way in not answering it,” Kerekes said. “I’m not a big politics fan at all. In my opinion, not much changes, no matter who you vote for.”

All in all, the negativity that has saturated the political advertisements and topics of this year’s campaign has not been the ideal first impression for new voters.

Many would agree that the mudslinging between the candidates has been unappealing, to say the least.

“It’s utterly uncivilized,” Allen said. During debates, candidates have been “bickering and cutting each other off. This turns a lot of people off.”

Freshman Jillian Grapsy echoed this viewpoint.

“Everything surrounding this election kind of sucks,” she stated. “I feel at this point, you’re voting for who you don’t want in office rather than who you actually want.”

Grapsy feels “indifferent” about her first election but still plans to vote.

Despite the lack of interest or discouragement from the negativity, there is still an inherent motivation that drives newly qualified voters to exercise their right.

“People usually vote for the first time because they were socialized to be politically active and/or because they were asked by someone to vote,” Scotece said.

Students offered a range of answers regarding why voting is important to them. But most responses surrounded the idea that it is our “civic duty” as Americans.

“I feel like it’s something you have to do,” freshman Aidan Murphey said. “Since we’re given the freedom [to vote], I thought I should take advantage.”

Social issues such as abortion, gay rights and women’s rights have been a driving force behind new voters’ decisions. Other prominent concerns include student loans, health care and the economy.

Democratic voters, such as freshman Daniel Lammie, are inclined to vote for Obama because of the health care system Obama implemented while in office.

“My sister — she’s 24 — and with Obamacare, she’s still under my family’s health care. If Obamacare were to be rescinded, my sister would have to pay for her own health care,” Lammie said. “I’m worried about health care after college. I want to have it through my dad for as long as possible.”

On the other hand, Republican sophomore Robbie Decker considered Romney’s business background as an optimal trait for fixing America’s struggling economy.

“I find it hard to believe why anyone wouldn’t vote for someone who’s in business,” he said. “Somebody who’s obviously been there, and who knows what it takes to get a small business and get us back on track.”

Others do not wish to identify with either candidate, but rather someone who operates under the radar.

Freshman Joe Cutrufelli is attracted to Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson, because he does not advocate for “big government.” He feels that there is little distinction between the two main election candidates, and neither of their policies appeal to him.

“I really can’t see how either one of them is different,” Cutrufelli said. “It’s very miniscule.”

Whether first-time voters support a large- or small-party candidate, the direction in which they cast their ballots can define their future political standing to some degree.

“[First-time voters] are still developing their political views and partisanship,” Scotece said. “The candidate/party that they choose this first time around could help establish their political identity.”

Establishing this identity can be overwhelming for those without an extensive background in politics. But Loepp offered some advice to young people who are participating in the voting process for the first time.

“Take advantage of the information out there, talk to your friends and family,” he suggested. “Learn about issues and candidates. It will make it much easier to wade through the mess.”