Millennials Turn Out on Super Tuesday

Millennials, or Americans born between 1982 and 2000, have become the largest and most diverse generation in United States history with over 83 million people, making up more than one quarter of the country’s population.

The numbers of young voters could make or break the 2016 presidential election. Young adults have the power to influence this election more than in previous years, depending on whether they decide to get out and vote.

Historically, youth voters, ages 18 to 29, have had the lowest voter turnout, while seniors, 65 and older usually have had the highest. Today, 46 million U.S. citizens are 18 to 29 years old compared to seniors who are 39 million.

In Lubbock County in 2014, only 7.6 percent of all votes in the general elections were cast by young adults between the ages of 18 and 29, shows data from the Texas Secretary of State’s Office.

To make matters worse, Texas has the third lowest rate of young adult voter turnout in the country. The state’s young adult voter turnout of 29.6 percent (meaning less than 30 percent of young people show up to vote) was statistically lower than the 45 percent national average in 2012 , according to the Census Bureau’s analysis on young adult voting.

During the primaries on March 1, I polled 20 Texas Tech student voters after they exited the polling booths at the university’s library to try to get an idea of which candidates millennials support as well as how they feel about this presidential election.

Results of poll:

Bernie Sanders – 9

Ted Cruz – 4

Donald Trump – 3

Marco Rubio – 2

John Kasich – 1

N/A – 1

Vermont senator Bernie Sanders was the overwhelming favorite, with nearly half of the students’ votes. Sanders appears to be the favorite among millennials all over the country, with a recent poll by Rock the Vote and USA Today concluding that 18 to 35 year olds in the Democratic primary prefer Sanders to Clinton, 46 to 35 percent.

“[Bernie Sanders] is the only one whose platform I agree with,” said Brett Jordan, 27. “Hillary is just running because she thinks it’s her turn, and I think he is actually going to change everything that I think is wrong, like student debt and healthcare. I mean, those are like the two things I care most about, so it’s a no-brainer.”

According to USA Today, young voters are most concerned with the economy, followed by college affordability and student debt, foreign policy and terrorism, healthcare and guns.

While there seems to be a lot of youth support for Sanders, there are also criticisms.

“My only issue with Bernie Sanders is that a lot of his policies are expensive,” said Wesley Colquitt, 20. “But on the other side, they’re actually good ideas, so at least they’re in the right direction.”

On the Republican side, Sen. Ted Cruz seemed to have more support than Donald Trump and Marco Rubio.

“I voted for [Ted Cruz] when he was in the primaries in Houston becoming a senator, so I’ve been with him since 2012,” said Joey Ferrar. “I’ve been following this stuff very closely, and Trump is a great candidate, but the fact of the matter is that he is a little unstable and, as bad as it sounds, we need a politician to run politics.”

The three people who said they voted for Donald Trump said they believed he can make a difference.

“He’s going to make America great again,” said Logan Mizell, 22.

Cruz won the Texas primary, with 44 percent of the Republican vote. Clinton won the Democratic vote, with 65 percent of votes.

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“Use one word to describe how you feel about this election.”

Crazy – “It’s kind of been a joke, I think. Just watching the candidates go back and forth, I just don’t think it’s been taken seriously.” Catelynn Cave

Important – “Basically everything is held in our hands, it’s the people who are voting, and I know the number of people voting has greatly decreased, and it’s really, in my opinion, not good so that’s why I’m here to vote.” Cameron Horton, 18

Insane – “They’re insane on both sides – the candidates are just wild. It’s going to be a record election, honestly.” Haley Swanson, 18

Frustrated – “I don’t think any of the candidates are really that great on either side, so it’s kind of a difficult decision to make.” Natasha Desai, 21

Hopeful – “I think this is our last chance to get it right because if Trump or Hillary gets elected I’m scared for where I think my rights as an American are going, but I am hopeful.” Brett Jordan, 27

Cinematic – “It’s almost cinematic with Donald Trump, obviously, but it’s more of a reality TV show almost watching some of the stuff the candidates say.” Jennie Sung, 22