Charlotte college students reflect on record youth voter turnout in midterms

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Young voters turned out in record numbers during the recent midterm elections, demonstrating a strong 35-point preference for Democratic candidates, according to new data from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago.

Local college students across Charlotte say the push to mobilize young people at the ballot box delivered meaningful results.

“It makes me feel not only inclusive, but important,” said Damarrion Freeling, a sophomore at Johnson C. Smith University. “It lets it be known to me that I don’t only have a say to what’s next, but I am a part of what’s now. Being an African American student here at a historically Black college and university, I felt that I had so many opportunities to let my voice be heard in this movement. As we are the body of now, we are making a change in being the voice for our future.”

Students at both Johnson C. Smith University and Queens University pointed to representation, progressive policies, and everyday economic challenges as driving forces behind their civic engagement.

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“I think just seeing more progressive values being pushed throughout the country, I think love and acceptance being spread is a win for the whole country,” JCSU student Amyis Johnson said, adding that pocketbook issues remain top of mind. “We have to travel to and fro, and we’re hitting heavy gas prices. Same with groceries. We’re trying to make things work at the grocery store. We’re adding it up in the calculator. I think a lot of us would love to have that weight lifted off our shoulders.”

Fellow students echoed that the path forward requires addressing basic needs and community equity.

“To me, it just means making sure everybody has a stable income, housing, transportation, education, making sure that everybody is equal,” said Carla Cerbante Montoya.

For Sana Konar, seeing high participation among peers proved inspiring: “It’s very empowering to see young people go out and vote. I think everyone should exercise that ability and exercise their voices. It’s a very empowering and exciting time for young people to be engaged in voting.”

Political scientists note that shifting power dynamics often reflect voter dissatisfaction with the status quo.

“In political science, we call this the thermostat model,” explained Dr. Amy Sentementes. “When voters are not happy with what’s going on, they typically give a party a chance to correct whatever they don’t like. And if they don’t like how they’re addressing those issues, then they might give the other party a turn in the next election.”

Survey data revealed significant gender splits within the demographic: roughly 70% of young women voted for a Democratic U.S. House candidate, compared to 59% of young men. Overall, voters ages 18 to 29 supported Democratic candidates by historic margins nationwide.

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