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College Students Bridge Political Divide
Ryan Klein and Baybars Charkas, presidents of the College Republicans and College Democrats at Penn State University, respectively, have set aside their political differences to encourage voter turnout on campus.
Gen Z, consisting of 41 million eligible voters, is crucial in this election. However, turnout among 18-24 year olds has historically been low.
Despite their partisan affiliations, Klein and Charkas recognize the importance of civic participation. They hope to break the partisan divide and inspire their peers to make their voices heard.
Polls indicate that Gen Z leans towards the Democratic Party, but many prioritize issues over party lines. They are concerned about the economy, education, and abortion rights.
Stacy Rosenberg, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, emphasizes the need for young voters to show up to the polls, as social media activism alone is not enough.
With the election approaching, Klein and Charkas aim to create a model of bipartisan cooperation that extends beyond college campuses and into the political arena. They believe that prioritizing citizenship over party affiliation is essential for a healthy democracy.