After voting for the first time in a presidential election, Towson University student Jaidyn Monroe ‘26 and Loyola student Imani James ‘25 felt the sting of disappointment. Both young women had entered the process with hope, but the outcome left them questioning whether their voices had made a difference.
When Monroe walked out of a polling station on Election Day, she was filled with cautious optimism. But days later, as the election results poured in, that hope faded quickly.
“I really thought my vote was going to count, but looking at these results… it feels like it didn’t matter at all. Like, what was the point?” Monroe said.
Monroe had believed in the power of voting to create change, but now she couldn’t shake the feeling that her effort was wasted. She had been particularly focused on issues like health care and education, which felt deeply personal to her and her family. Yet, the candidates who won didn’t seem to prioritize those concerns.
“I stood in line. I did everything I was supposed to do, but now, it feels like the system is broken like my voice didn’t even register,” Monroe said.
Similarly, James was struck by disappointment just as hard. She had cast her mail-in ballot with high hopes, particularly for Kamala Harris who she believed could bring transformative leadership. But as the election results unfolded, James felt a crushing sense of disillusionment.
“I believed this was the moment for change, but the numbers don’t lie. And honestly, it feels like people like me — young Black women — are still being ignored,” James said.
James was optimistic when she mailed her ballot. She had imagined her vote contributing to a larger movement for progress. Now, her optimism felt naive.
“I told myself that every vote counts, that my voice matters, but when the people in power don’t reflect us, it’s hard to feel like we’re really being heard,” James said.
Both young women found themselves grappling with the same question: What happens now? Monroe admitted the experience had left her feeling disheartened about the democratic process.
“I know they say we have to keep trying, but it’s exhausting when you don’t see results,” Monroe said.
James echoed those sentiments, though her frustration also came with a determination to push for change in other ways. She had mixed emotions but was determined not to give up.
“I’m upset, yeah, but I’m not going to stop caring. If voting didn’t work this time, then we have to find another way to make them listen.”
Despite their shared disappointment, Monroe and James both agreed that giving up wasn’t an option. They recognized that change was a long and arduous process, but the sting of feeling unheard was still fresh.
“I guess this is what they mean when they say democracy is messy, but honestly, it shouldn’t feel this hopeless,” Monroe said.
Chief of Voting Polls Elizabeth Bray offered insight into the challenges of engaging young voters and the emotional toll elections can take. She shares with us memories from past Election Days that show why she has not given up.
“I see so much passion and energy from young voters, for many of them, this is their first encounter with democracy in action, and they come in with so much hope.”
Bray also noted the systemic barriers and cultural challenges that can exacerbate feelings of disillusionment. While she also highlights those same things have created change.
“We have to recognize that voting is only one piece of the puzzle…“It’s important, yes, but it doesn’t immediately fix deep-rooted issues. What I try to remind voters is that change is a marathon, not a sprint,” Bray said.
