As tigers took to the polls, there was a lot on their minds. For many students, 2024 is their first opportunity to vote in an election. Issues of identity and autonomy were key for many voters as they made ballot decisions, including Missouri’s Amendment 3. Some students said a tumultuous summer in politics left them with concerns, but others said their hope for a better future inspired them to vote.

Here’s what University of Missouri students had to say about Election Day. 

First-time voters

“I was very anxious. I did a lot of research so I feel pretty good about my decisions but I think still coming up, especially being in a new place without my parents, is kind of nerve wracking.” 

-Aaliyah Solis, first-year health sciences major

“I’m a proud American, so to be able to exercise my rights and do my civic duties, I guess, is always important to me.” 

-Clay VanEaton, senior accounting major

“It was really empowering knowing that I can make a difference, and it was really special to me to know that I had a voice and a say over the changes that I want to see in the future.” 

-Kayla Davito, junior strategic communications major

“I feel like my one vote is probably not going to do a ton, but I hope everybody else gets out and votes.” 

-Hunter Testa, first year nutrition and exercise science major

“I’m first generation, so my parents aren’t able to vote but I am, so I feel like that makes it so much more important because I’m the first in my family to exercise my right to vote.” 

-Elizabeth Banuelas, first-year mechanical engineering major

Key issues

“I feel like a lot of who I am as a person was on that ballot.” 

-Aaliyah Solis, first-year Health Sciences major

“Voting for Trump didn’t sit right with me. I feel like for me I’m looking for somebody who’s empathetic and who is looking out for their people in a lot of different senses… A lot of times I tend to agree with more of the right leaning or Republican side, but in this case, I totally did not see myself represented there at all.”

– Sofia Vega, senior psychology major

“Every election is important, but especially with some of the issues that are on the table, especially with amendment three and stuff, I feel like it’s really important to get out there and have your say.” 

-Elaina Rainwater, sophomore communications major

Concerns

“I think we all have a little bit of fear. I think seeing the increase in political violence from all sides of the spectrum all over the world definitely raises some concerns in general.” 

-Dustin Wallace, first-year Communications and political science major

“I worry that having someone in office that doesn’t respect everyone’s identity or views could mean it gets very difficult to be a certain type of person in this country.” 

-Elaina Rainwater, sophomore communications major

Hopes

“I do hope that this has a bigger turnout than in the past, especially for younger generations, just because they’re literally the future, so having their voice be a part of what’s being said is really important.” 

-Dustin Wallace, first-year communications and political science major

“I hope that people come together and vote for what they think is right. And I really hope that democracy wins above all. I feel like that’s the most important thing, no matter who wins, that it’s a democratic outcome.”

– Sofia Vega, senior psychology major

For more information about student political groups’ events and election preparation related to the 2024 election, visit The Maneater’s election guide.

Edited by Julianna Mejia | [email protected]

Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | [email protected]