close
close
bxsonair

Cornell students are enthusiastically engaging in the upcoming election with diverse perspectives

Posted on by Gerres
Cornell students are enthusiastically engaging in the upcoming election with diverse perspectives

Cornell University students are approaching the 2024 election season with energy, curiosity, and a willingness to engage in nuanced political dialogue. After attending the national conventions of the Republican and Democratic parties, a group of students from the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy reflected on the wide range of views they encountered, many of which transcended their party’s platforms.

Kathryn McGinnis, a doctoral student in public policy who led the student tours, noted that while the scripted speeches were highlights, informal conversations with participants revealed a variety of opinions and ideas. “It was enlightening to talk to my friends about how they think the country should move forward,” she said, emphasizing the importance of open discussion between students from different political backgrounds.

Students attending the conventions engaged in critical debates, many of which challenged their preconceptions. Anna Cecilia Fierro, a public policy specialist who attended both conventions, said: “You certainly meet people with completely different political views. It’s interesting to listen and understand their point of view rather than reacting immediately.”

Increasing voter participation on campus

Cornell Votes, a nonpartisan student group supported by the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, is leading the effort to increase voter turnout. With unprecedented enthusiasm, they mobilized numerous student organizations this semester to register voters and educate their peers. Erik Lapidus, a biological sciences major and community engagement liaison at Cornell Votes, said his passion for voting was shaped by his parents’ experiences emigrating from authoritarian countries. “So many people have fought for this right and we can finally be a part of it,” he said.

Another group, the Cornell Policy Group (CPG), focuses on bipartisan policy advocacy. Lilia Mitra, the group’s director of advocacy, emphasized its commitment to issue-focused dialogue. As the election approaches, CPG has developed guides for key races to encourage students to vote informed and thoughtfully.

Bringing the convention experience back to campus

Both McGinnis and Fierro expressed their excitement at the opportunity to bring the convention dynamic back to Cornell. “You believe in hope in the political process and you want to mobilize others to vote,” McGinnis said.

In addition to campaign activities, students like Willy Swenson found academic inspiration to vote. By enrolling in the “Taking America’s Pulse” course, Swenson learned how to design unbiased opinion polls, gaining insight into the diverse perspectives of Americans. “The opinions of so many people open my eyes,” he said. “I plan on voting now – I think everyone should.”

Cornell students continue their efforts as the New York voter registration deadline approaches. More information about voting resources can be found on the Cornell Votes website.