First Time Voters At Marshall Take On General Election 2024

With less than three weeks until the general election, polling analysts continue to break down the demographics of voters who might turn the tide in a razor close presidential race – including young voters.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting posed some 2024 election questions for several Marshall University students. All it turned out, will be voting in their first general election. 

Braden Elswick, a Marshall sophomore from Huntington, said the economy, and particularly his wallet, is top of mind as he heads to the polls.

“I would enjoy some lower gas prices,” Elswick said. “We’re getting those now. I think that’s just because the elections are around the corner, and, you know, it’s a little scheme. That’s just my personal opinion.”

For Summersville sophomore Holly Belmont, immigration stands out as a national issue of concern.

“We were just talking in class about the social aspect,” Belmont said. “I think it’s a social injustice to some that people can’t cross the border freely.”

Belmont said for her, the economy looms as a state and local office issue. She said it’s hard to know what’s true.

“I think there’s a lack of, like, unbiased information out there,” she said. “I’d like to be able to buy a house someday, and with inflation levels, I don’t think I’ll be able to for a long time.” 

Austin Conaway, a junior from Charleston, said he is anxious to vote, but has no opinion on issues or candidates. At least not yet.

“I haven’t done a whole lot of research yet,” Conoway said. “There’s only three weeks left, I know I gotta start locking in.”

Savannah Parsley, a freshman from southern Wayne County had specific issue concerns, but also a somewhat overriding, overall distrust of the 2024 election campaign process.

“Human rights, women’s rights, that’s the biggest thing for me, personally,” Parsley said. “It’s a lot of pointing fingers, and it’s a lot of bias, and I think it’s best we take a step back and look at facts.”

Williamstown sophomore Zach Cannon said the economy and gas prices are his key national issue concerns. His answer on paying attention to state and local offices echoed many other student responses. 

“I have not, but I think I need to,” Cannon said. Why not? WVPB asked. “I’ve just been lazy.”

Maya Edwards, a freshman from the Eastern Panhandle city of Charles Town, said she will return home to vote. She’s deeply concerned over state and local issues, specifically getting a grip on growth in her part of the state.

“A lot of people are moving to the Eastern Panhandle now, because the cost of living is cheaper than the places they work,” Edwards said. “And it’s those people who are coming in with a lot of higher income. Jefferson County has the highest income per capita in West Virginia. So a lot of things are increasing up there, and it’s kind of scary as a person who you know doesn’t have an official job.” 

The lone out-of-state student polled, Jack Sanchez, a sophomore from Florida, had a list of national issues that stirred his interest.

“One of them being concerned with the border,” Sanchez said. “I do know that a lot of people are getting through, sometimes bad people. I know we are trying our best today, but I want to see a more strict regimen on it, as well as more funding for schools. On top of that, some of the things that we’re going through as well, like opioid addiction, especially here in Huntington, I know that’s a huge problem here. I want to see more of a crackdown on that, just to help these people kind of move on and kind of like, bring them up.”

Finally, Braden Elswick had a message for fellow novice voters.

“It’s my first time being able to vote, so I think that’s good,” Elswick said. “Use your vote. I hope my vote counts, and I hope it goes towards something beneficial for this country.”

The 2024 general election is Tuesday, November 5.