For the 2024 Presidential Election, the leading candidates took an untraditional approach for reaching voters, appearing in non-traditional media interviews via podcasts and YouTube channels.

Dr. Greg Hoplamazian, an associate professor and academic director of the Emerging Media Master’s Program at Loyola believes that now more than ever, non-traditional media is having an impact on the election.

“With the success and popularity of social media, people are using it intentionally so now there are a lot of young creators that carve out niches for themselves to speak with other young people about a range of topics.”

Andrew Winkelman ’26, an accounting major at Loyola, believes that non-traditional media interviews can bring a different perspective for voters.

“It humanizes the candidates in a way because you get to see other people talk about them not like religious figures or deities but just as people, people that are running for positions in government because that’s all it really is.”

Non-traditional media also has the potential for spreading misinformation, particularly during an election year. Hoplamazian emphasized the importance of avoiding the spread of information that is not fact-checked.

“What we have seen happen over the last several years is that someone can share something that is an idea that is made up and if one consequential person sees it and shares it with their large network, then all of a sudden, an idea that was from someone with 100 followers gets picked up by someone with 10 million followers,” Hoplamazian said.

“Now it can get popular enough that traditional news media sites say that people are talking about this made-up thing and then it becomes a legitimate news story.”

Winkelman said that he thinks podcasts can be a better outlet than some major news organizations.

He said, “These outlets are a way to give new perspectives, lay out all the facts, without any of the explosive drama.”

Established YouTube personalities like Joe Rogan have extensive reach. His show hosted former President Donald Trump on The Joe Rogan Experience and the episode accumulated 45 million views. Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on former NFL player Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, Club Shay Shay, which pulled in 1.5 million views and an additional 100,000 views for shorter clips from the episode.

Owen Reilly of the Class of 2028 and a Pennsylvania resident believes it’s important to be able to speak your voice and vote if you can.

“I chose to vote because I’m from Pennsylvania which is arguably one of the most important states in the country in regards to the election,” Reilly said.

Reilly highlights the importance of the qualifications that are important to have to be president.

“I voted for Kamala Harris. I chose her for a multitude of reasons. First, I think she is the most qualified candidate. She is one of the only presidential candidates in American history to have worked in all three branches of government, arguably making her one of the most qualified presidential candidates in American history,” Reilly said.

“I think that corporate price gouging is destroying American families. She is the only candidate to have acknowledged this as a problem, and she has said that she will make price gouging for groceries illegal,” Reilly said.

Jakob Taylor is an elected official who knows how much age matters in an election. At 20 years old, Taylor ran for the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. While running for the position, Jake faced a bit of skepticism given his age. But generally, people were quite receptive.

“I told them that I want my kids and grandkids to be able to grow up here [in Bel Air] and choose to stay here like I have. Once I gave them that spiel, I would usually win them over,” Taylor said.

Taylor emphasizes that his age doesn’t affect his work or how others perceive him. In fact, he says that people often find it inspiring that he is in his position. He is the only Board member under the age of 60, which Taylor said means no representation for a very important middle age range.

“Where are the 40-year-olds? Where are the working people with kids? You’ve got somebody with no kids and 4 people with grandkids. I think it’s great to have people with a lot of experience, but you need people in the middle. Those are the people paying mortgages, and having children,” Taylor said.

Taylor said that having representation from people in their 20s and 30s is important because “young people tend to be more optimistic,” and bring different solutions to issues than much older people. 

“You need to be able to look at all angles of the problem,” Taylor said. “It doesn’t mean that my angle is going to be right, but it does mean that by comparing notes, we can probably come up with a collaborative solution.”

Taylor was first elected in 2023 and will serve a four-year term. 

Political communicators have fine-tuned their Election 2024 strategies to resonate with a generation defined by its digital presence and distinct social values. They know Gen Z is regularly active on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Associate Professor Dr. Greg Hoplamazian said a common candidate strategy to reach Gen Z is by getting particular celebrities to support them. Alternatively, the candidate can use an influencer that is lesser known nationally, but known by a particular audience group.

“Everyone really wants to reach whatever the youngest audience is and everyone is looking for ways to do that. Usually, they will think the way to do that is social media,” Hoplamazian said.

As the Academic Director of Loyola’s Emerging Media Master’s Program, Hoplamazian noted that social media provides a direct way to engage new voters with political messages crafted specifically for them. 

“A political communicator is going to make their messaging first based on not just what kind of topics does this audience care about, but even what kind of words or language does this audience connect with? The content that will get shared with them is going to be really tailored and focused on them. It’s going to be different than what actually might matter nationally,” Hoplamazian said.

Director of External Affairs and Co-Chair of LoyolaVotes Kate Grubb Clark has been active in student outreach across campus in preparation for the election. She stresses the importance of helping new voters navigate the onslaught of information on social media. She adds that Gen Z is interested in developing their understanding of laws that impact them and advocating for issues they care about. 

“Gen Z is just right at this nexus of having so much information. How are you getting through all of that and understanding media bias? How are you assessing that?” Grubb Clark said.

Political officials recognize the influence of Gen Z on this election. Their strategies reflect a commitment to understanding and engaging this demographic. By leveraging social media, enlisting influencers, and crafting messaging, communicators aim to connect with young voters on their terms. As Grubb Clark highlights, it is crucial to guide Gen Z through the mass of information and media bias they encounter.

Eliana Kane ‘28, from Bradford, Pennsylvania is voting for the first time in the 2024 presidential election.

“I voted because I feel that it is important for my voice to be heard. The United States we live in today is different from the one that existed 50 years ago, and change needs to happen,” Kane said.

She voted for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz and believes her vote is extremely important because of Pennsylvania’s history as a battleground state for the presidential election.

“I am very focused on racial equality, gun violence, and higher education. I feel that the issues Harris supports are important to me and my success, as well as the people in the world around me,” Kane said.

Now that Election Day is in full swing, herds of people are traveling to the polls, filling in their ballot, and receiving the iconic, “I Voted” sticker. However, for many college students, voting this year looks a little different. 

Loyola’s out-of-state student population is more than half of the student body at 68%. That means those who want to vote must do so by absentee mail-in ballots. In the 2020 election, mail-in ballots were heavily relied on due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, four years later, mail-in ballots have stuck around for those who do not have access to the polls. 

Political science student, Danika Trucchi ‘26, was grateful for the opportunity to vote by mail. As an out-of-state student, mail-in voting was her only option. However, she acknowledges that it was not the ideal first-time voting experience. 

“I do wish that I could have voted in-person. I’m a little disheartened that I never got an ‘I Voted’ sticker…but making the 10 hour drive up to Massachusetts was not feasible for me. But, I’m okay with it. The fact that I got to vote at all is important to me,” said Trucchi. 

Similarly, Katherine Albert ‘26, voted by mail despite being a Maryland resident. Albert wishes she had a chance to vote in person, and criticized the vote by mail process. 

“I feel like I’m doing my civic duty a lot better if I’m actively sitting there and pressing a button or filling in the circle. It was also pretty difficult to vote by mail for me. The instructions weren’t super clear and so I had a lot of trouble figuring out how I was able to actually send it back,” said Albert. 

Despite her circumstances, Albert was still fortunate enough to have the option to vote by mail. She emphasized her civic duty was made more accessible with mail-in ballots. 

Conversely, Pennsylvania resident and Loyola first-year, Tafailagi Richards, stated that voting by mail did not make a difference for her election experience. Richards highlighted that voting by mail was just another way to have her voice be heard. 

“I honestly don’t mind it…I didn’t really wish to vote in person. I think everyone should be heard and have their own voice in who’s going to be president,” said Richards. 

Just like many other college students around the country, Loyola students utilized the mail-in method for a variety of reasons this election. Although in-person voting is considered the authentic way to exercise your right, mail-in ballots do not seem to be going away anytime soon. 

To learn more about mail-in ballots, visit: www.usa.gov/absentee-voting

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Greyhound (@thegreyhoundnews)

The election season is a learning experience for everyone, including international students studying at U.S. universities.  

Alejandro Pscorcia ‘27 is from Colombia where he said polarization is common. According to Pscorcia, in Colombia, there are multiple parties representing a variety of interests, which seems more democratic than the primarily two-party system in the U.S. He said the way people talk about politics is similar in both countries.  

Bonita Rodriguez ‘27 is originally from India. Rodriguez said that in India, voting is an obligation and one the government tracks carefully. Her aunt showed her this recently.  

Rodriguez said, “After you vote, they put that red dot on your nail to signify that you did vote.” 

Rodriguez has been in the United States since she was five, though she has not yet been eligible to vote. She said this presidential election is one of the more intense elections she has witnessed in both of her countries.  

In an effort to get more people to vote, both national chains and local businesses are offering special deals to voters who are heading to the polls today. These deals include ‘freebies’ as well as discounts on meals, snacks, and more.

Voters who need a ride to the polls can find deals from rideshare companies Uber and Lyft, or even free e-scooter or e-bike rides using Lime. After casting their vote at the polls, voters can pick up a free donut from Krispy Kreme or get a free frozen yogurt at any of Ikea’s Bistros.

Additionally, Baltimore voters can head to Greedy Reads for their 10% off of customers’ purchases deal. Voters have to show the cashier their “I Voted” sticker to take advantage of this deal. This discount is valid at both their Baltimore locations in Remington and Fells Point.

These deals are valid only on Election Day and are exclusive to in-person voters. 

Sereana Kilker ‘25 said that Gen Z has to get out and vote, especially because this is the first election that many Gen Z voters are old enough for. 

“This is your chance to do what’s right, and it’s time for the younger generation to take a stand. I’m voting for what’s right, for my family and my friends, because they deserve to be represented, and I’m here to make that happen,” Kilker said. 

Kilker has a lot of friends who moved to this country from Puerto Rico and Venezuela, and she does not like the language used to discuss immigration. She believes voting is a chance for everyone’s voice to be heard no matter what background a person comes from. 

“I’m advocating for others and I will never stop doing that. Do what’s right and go vote, even if it’s not for you. I believe in this country and its values, but I also believe in the people. I’m unsure of how this election will go, but I carry hope within me and I hope the public can too,” Kilker said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Greyhound (@thegreyhoundnews)

An ongoing focus in the 2024 Presidential Election taking place today, Nov. 5, 2024, is the economy and how each candidate hopes to help the United States’ economic status. Donald Trump has prided himself on having a great economy during his term and will continue this if he is elected. However, one of his ways of doing this would be by eliminating the IRS and replacing income tax with sales tax. Many Americans have marked this as a red flag in Trump’s campaign and hope this plan does not go into action. J.P. Krahel, an accounting professor at Loyola, found this to be one of his main worries and gives some insight as to what this abolishing could lead to.  

“Most income taxes right now are based on your income; essentially how much you earn. What Trump wants to do is abolish the IRS, which is responsible for collecting those income taxes, and replace it with a system where you pay sales tax instead. Sales tax is what’s called the consumption tax – you pay taxes based on how much you spend; not how much you earn now.” 

Krahel shared that many Americans have a dislike for the IRS because, in all honesty, who wants to pay taxes? However, taxes are necessary in America, and the IRS is only requiring this because it is what Congress had originally passed. Food, clothing, and other necessities to live are all taxed, and it is just a part of life in the United States. However, Trump’s plan to replace the incoming tax with sales will ultimately negatively impact lower-income people.  

Krahel said, “No matter how much I earn, $1,000,000 today, I’m going to wear one pair of pants, eat two, maybe three meals. If I’m dirt poor, I’m going to wear one pair of pants and eat maybe two or three meals, but the impact of that tax is going to hit me hard because it’s based on what I need to do rather than how much I earn.” 

He continued, “I worry that if this plan is enacted, people are going to think, ‘Oh, that’s so exciting, no more income taxes,’ and then when you know a bag of potato chips started costing $7.00, it’s like, ‘Oh, I may have a lot of money, but it’s getting drained quickly.’”  

With this insight, Krahel knows this plan will diminish the economic status of many Americans in the future, and he hopes people see it as a short-term solution. With that, he added that the plan would be more of an, ‘I hate the IRS, so yes, this is great’ type thing to many Americans. However, he wants Americans to have it on the forefront of their brains that if this plan is enacted, it will cause a lot of damage to the lower-class people of America.  

As an accounting professor, Krahel is always looking at what the economy is like. It is a tough topic to fully grasp, but some knowledge of the issue is necessary when voting. With Krahel’s educated opinion on the topic at hand, voters should be aware of what could occur to their taxes in the future.  

Communication and Media major Caroline Drennen ’27, is a Pennsylvania native and her parents showed her the importance of elections through voting. 

“I voted because this is the first presidential election that my generation can really have a voice in. So, I think it’s important that we show that,” Drennen said. 

Drennen voted because she felt it was important for her education, family, and friends. Election issues such as women’s health care and climate change influenced her to make her choice. 

“The issues most important to me in this election are effective rights for women’s health care in general, and also climate change,” Brennen said.

In a recent talk, Tony Welch, Former Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee (DNC), discussed the profound changes he has seen in voter engagement, particularly among young people, as the 2024 election approaches.

He pointed to the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade as a major turning point. 

“This generation is seeing rights stripped away—rights that they were once given. It’s a wake-up call for many,” Welch said. “There’s a real sense that people are voting not just for themselves, but for future generations.”

Welch also noted that women are leading this charge. “Women have been more engaged than ever,” he emphasized. Reflecting on recent election cycles, Welch said, “We saw it in 2022—women turned out in record numbers. People are tired of feeling that progress can just be rolled back. There’s a lot more on the line now, and they know it.”

For Rachel Foster ’25, the stakes are personal. Her political journey has led to a rift in her household, as she strongly supports Kamala Harris.

“It’s almost impossible to talk about politics at home,” Foster said. “My parents and I are on different pages about certain topics. But I believe in voting for what matters the most to me.” 

Welch concluded by emphasizing the unique urgency of this election. 

“This generation is tired of empty promises,” Welch said. “They’re watching climate change, human rights, and democracy itself be debated as if they’re optional. Young voters know that the time for action is now, and they’re showing up like never. They understand that if they don’t fight for change, no one else will.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Greyhound (@thegreyhoundnews)

As the election season concludes, members of the Loyola community are paying close attention to election results, including Loyola’s Director of External Relations Kate Grubb Clark. She is keeping a close watch on issues that might impact Loyola’s goals, especially in areas of financial aid, internships, and campus safety.

Grubb Clark said the university will monitor local and state elections and ballot measures as their outcomes are most likely to impact Loyola directly. She underscored the university’s reliance on government-backed loan and grant programs, such as the Pell Grant, to make education more affordable for students from all backgrounds.

“What is most important to us is that students have access to higher education,” Grubb Clark said.

Funding for higher education is an ongoing challenge, Grubb Clark explained, as government budgets are always up for debate, both at the federal and state levels. Loyola regularly communicates with legislators to emphasize how government dollars directly translate into student outcomes. 

“In any way that we engage with our legislators, it’s really about telling our story, so that when we go in with a request, it’s not out of the blue,” Grubb Clark said. “They already understand who we are, what our mission is, and why those things are important to us.”

Grubb Clark said the approach isn’t limited to direct university outreach. Loyola also collaborates with groups like the Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities Association (MICUA) and the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), which advocates for private institutions at state and national levels. 

“Through organizations like MICUA and AJCU, we ensure our legislators understand the importance of accessibility, campus security, and funding support across the board,” she said.

This collective effort allows Loyola and similar institutions to present a unified voice on issues that affect higher education and student’s well-being. By lobbying policymakers and remaining informed about election outcomes, Loyola ensures it is well-positioned to advocate for resources and policies that support its mission to provide accessible, inclusive education and foster a safe learning environment for all students.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Greyhound (@thegreyhoundnews)

At Roland Park Elementary/Middle School, Wendi Mestiko and her daughter stand outside the polling place to advocate for their highest priority issue in the local election: Question F.

Question F focuses on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, allowing for a change to the city charter that could turn the space from a public park, to a space that is able to be developed for private use. Mayor Brandon Scott has supported the measure and said it will revitalize one of Baltimore’s key neighborhoods. Mestiko opposes these claims.

“When I go to Harborplace, I can read a book, take a nap, enjoy the public space. But say, if a private apartment complex is built, would a contractor or residents be alright with people congregating in these places?” Mestiko said.

This is Mestiko’s first time supporting a political stance publicly. As a lifelong Baltimore resident, she wants to see the Inner Harbor continue to be an uninhibited public space and believes Question F is a violation of that goal.

“It asks the voters to give up public land that was granted via the city charter, back when Harborplace was originally redeveloped. It’s asking us as voters to give up something that was said was going to be in perpetuity for the public use,” Mestiko said.

Mestiko recalls having years of memories at Harborplace throughout her life, and wants her daughter to have her own positive experiences with this long standing Baltimore landmark. She also hopes to set a positive example for her daughter’s growth as a voting citizen by talking to other voters before they enter the polling place. Mestiko spent Election Day morning having conversations about Question F with voters on their way into Roland Park Elementary Middle School to cast their ballots.

“I want to show my daughter that even if I don’t agree with all of these voters, I still support them in exercising their right to vote,” Mestiko said.

Temi Kumapayi ’28, a Maryland native and intended bio-health major, was anxious over whether she would be able to cast her vote. As both a first-time voter and first-year student, she says knowledge about the voting process is important to avoid last-minute stress.

“Actually, I had always thought in my head that I was going to go to the polls, but I wasn’t thinking it through clearly because I had classes, and it was an hour’s drive going there and back. I opted in for a mail-in ballot, but it was a little towards the deadline time. I was on my phone waiting for the Stamp It! notification that the ballot came in. It did and I turned it in yesterday. It was super nerve wracking for me because I did it a little bit later than I should have done it,” Kumapayi said.

Kumapayi said she asked a teacher how to request a mail-in ballot. 

“People always say that your vote isn’t going to count, but it is going to count. That’s why we vote. I think educating people on the ways to vote and the importance of voting is going to be major in raising the number of younger voters,” Kumapayi said.

Kendra Cook is a food service employee who works in Boulder Dining Hall. Like many hourly workers, Cook was scheduled to work on Election Day and had to make alternative voting plans.

“It’s kind of, uncomfortable. I’ll still be able to vote but it feels different to work on Election Day. I would rather be home and be able to vote, go and be able to vote for who I want to vote for, but working feels awkward,” Cook said.

Cook voted on Monday, Oct. 28 with early voting. Despite this, she said she wished that Election Day was a federal holiday so she could have the opportunity to vote in person as it would be more meaningful to her.

Maggie Blackstone is another hourly employee at Loyola, she works as an administrative assistant at the Academic Advising and Support Center. She said that despite wanting Election Day to be a holiday, she would still vote by mail-in ballot due to the convenience.

“I voted by mail-in, and I have since Covid, as it’s a lot easier,” Blackstone said.

David Marks is a county councilman in Baltimore County and a professor at Loyola. He said that due to the prominence of early voting in recent years, Election Day being a federal holiday wouldn’t be a large factor in increasing turnout.

“Early voting has basically allowed for well over a week of voting, in fact, there is early voting on Saturdays. There are so many opportunities for people to vote, I think we’ve gotten away from just one day of traditional voting,” Marks said.

Towson University student Jaidyn Monroe ‘26 and Loyola student Imani James ‘25 are making their voices heard for the first time as they vote in their first presidential election. Monroe went to the polls this morning, while James mailed in her New York ballot.

“I’ve been waiting for this day for a while now. But to be honest I am a little worried about the outcome. It feels like there’s so much at stake right now,” Monroe said.

While she was excited to take part, Monroe couldn’t shake her worries about what might happen after the election. She’d heard her friends and family express concerns about the future, and part of her feared that her vote alone wouldn’t be enough to make a difference.

“I’m nervous, but I can’t just sit back. People fought so I could stand here today. I owe it to them to follow through, even if I don’t know what’s going to happen after,” Monroe said.

James has been following the news closely and watching election coverage with cautious optimism. She is hoping to see the change she believes in happen. It wasn’t just about who would be president, but about what the future could look like. She has high hopes for presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

“I really think Kamala can bring something different to the table. We need more voices like hers in positions of power. It makes me feel like maybe there’s hope for all of us,” James said.

For both young women, their first-time voting experience was about the future they want to help shape. While Monroe grappled with fear and the uncertainty of the election results, James found herself filled with cautious optimism.

“I know one vote may not change everything. But maybe it’s the start of something bigger. That’s all we can hope for,” Monroe said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Greyhound (@thegreyhoundnews)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Greyhound (@thegreyhoundnews)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Greyhound (@thegreyhoundnews)

Maxx Lao ’25 gives the Election Day weather forecast from Loyola University Maryland.

American comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made headlines at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally when he referred to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage” along with racist comments about Latinos, Blacks, and Jews.

The comments shortly led to backlash around the country, including from Puerto Rican artists Bad Bunny and Ricky Martin, who then proceeded to endorse Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Director of the African, Latinx, Asian, Native American (ALANA) Services Dennis Velez said the quote was unnecessary and uncalled for.

“I think it speaks volumes about a party. Whenever someone is running for President of the United States, you want to run on a platform where people want to feel united and supported, and I think to make a comment like that, just proves a party doesn’t really care about everyone, and is only trying to speak to and appeal to a certain demographic. So, it’s just problematic for a party to invite a speaker who’s going to say racist and problematic things, especially when they’re trying to garner votes and should be appealing to everyone,” he said.

Trump Campaign Senior Advisor Danielle Alvarez said in a statement that the joke does not reflect Trump’s views or the campaign. Loyola political science faculty member, Dr. Mary Kate Schneider, says the reaction to the joke reflects the divisiveness of American politics and the impact of foreign interference in political campaigning.

“I think that’s largely a reflection of the foreign interference campaign that our adversaries have been running to meddle in US elections. The goal of those foreign interference campaigns is to divide the American people, and it’s working. People are divided and they are responding positively to divisive language that’s being used by some of our politicians,” she said.

Divided or not, current polling in The New York Times shows it’s still a very close race.

“Go out, learn about the candidates, and vote for the person who represents your values,” Dr. Tim Tooten said.

With over 40 years of experience in journalism, Dr. Tim Tooten has witnessed the evolution of election reporting and political engagement. Now a Communications Media professor, Tooten shares his insights on the changing landscape of election coverage, the vital role of young voters, and why staying informed is crucial in today’s political climate.

As election season heats up, veteran journalist Dr. Tim Tooten, a Communications Media professor with over 40 years of experience in reporting, offers his knowledge about the evolution of election coverage, the role of young voters, and the importance of being an informed electorate.

Tooten, whose career as a reporter spans four decades, has covered numerous elections—from local school board races to presidential contests. 

“Covering elections is part of the fabric of what we do as journalists. Every city, every town, has elections,” he said. 

For Tooten, election night is more than just about results, it’s about reading the emotional landscape of a campaign’s supporters. 

“You could be covering a candidate at the VFW hall, and the mood in the room is everything. You want to be the one who gets the first reaction from the candidate after results come in. If they win, you ask, ‘What does this victory mean to you?’ If they lose, you ask, ‘What’s next?’ There’s a lot of emotional weight on those questions,” he said.

Despite the pressures, Tooten, a former education reporter and a pastor, has always remained impartial, a key principle in the field of journalism.

“As a reporter, your personal beliefs shouldn’t influence your reporting. It’s not for you to express where you stand politically,” Tooten says. 

This sense of neutrality also applies to Tooten’s views on young voters, especially those in the Gen Z demographic. 

“I have a lot of faith in your generation. You are more informed than any generation before you. With the rise of social media and constant access to information, young people today have more opportunities to research candidates, understand the issues, and make informed decisions. I trust that young voters know what they’re doing,” he said.

For Tooten, young voters have a unique advantage when it comes to political engagement. However, Tooten acknowledges that not all young people are eager to participate in elections. 

“There are those who feel disillusioned, who think it won’t matter or that their vote won’t make a difference. I get that. But I also believe that what you see growing up in your household and community shapes your attitude toward voting,” he said. 

Tooten also emphasizes that the sense of disillusionment about politics isn’t just limited to younger generations. 

“It’s not just young people who are disengaged. There are plenty of people my age who feel the same way,” he said.

Tooten, who is also a pastor, takes a similar approach to his congregation, keeping politics separate from his ministry. 

“I don’t use the pulpit to push political views. I preach about the importance of voting and making informed decisions, but I never tell people who to vote for. It’s about respecting individual choices,” he said.

Reflecting on the changes in election reporting over the years, Tooten notes how the rise of 24-hour news cycles and commentary-driven coverage has shifted the landscape. 

“There’s much more analysis now. We used to just report the results. Now, there’s a lot of commentary, with experts breaking down every aspect of the race. While it’s informative, it can also be overwhelming, especially for first-time voters,” he said.

Despite these changes, Tooten remains optimistic about the role of voters in a democracy. 

“Voting is a right, and it’s a duty. It hasn’t been that long since people fought for the right to vote. If you’re not voting, then you’re not really participating in the conversation about the future of this country,” he said.

For first-time voters, Tooten’s advice is simple: be informed.

“Go out, learn about the candidates, and vote for the person who represents your values. And don’t forget that it’s your right, your duty, and your responsibility to make your voice heard,” he said.

On this election day, Dr. Tooten’s message to all voters is clear: engage, stay informed, and above all, vote. The future of democracy depends on it.

11:40 a.m. – Lauren Spence ’25 a Montana native majoring in forensic science and psychology says this is the first presidential election she has voted in.

“The future of our country depends on our generation, so it was important that I voted. Relatives had some influence on my voting. However, I did do my own research about candidates running in my home state. I usually get my information from BBC News which is a very neutral news source to help me come to conclusions on my own,” Spence said.

“Women’s rights are always on the top of my list. But my ultimate hope is to elect the candidate that will do the best for this country as a whole and not just for themselves,” she said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Greyhound (@thegreyhoundnews)

As a nation, has our thinking progressed on who we consider a viable candidate for political offices, especially as more African Americans run for and are elected for political offices? Or is this just a moment in history? 

Amid this election year, Black politicians such as Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott, Maryland’s U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks, Texas’s U.S. Senate candidate Colin Allred, and Vice President Kamala Harris have run for their desired political offices. According to The Baltimore Banner, Maryland is leading the way for other states in electing Black politicians such as Governor Wes Moore and Attorney General Anthony Brown. Black Americans have made strides in mayoral positions in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Houston. 

The Reconstruction Era of the U.S. was the start of black electoral participation as slavery was abolished. This is when the first Black congressman in United States history and the majority of Black congressmen were being elected in states like Mississippi, where there are large Black populations. Yet, Assistant Professor of History Dr. Miya Agyemang says the Jim Crow Era brought an end to this Reconstruction at the beginning of the 20th century. Through cultural and legal practices, Black Americans were refused the right to vote.

“So, if you heard about poll taxes or in some places, you had to guess the number of jelly beans in a jar to be able to register to vote, right? Really ridiculous. They knew that would make it nearly impossible for Black people to vote and this is going to make a huge impact in the Southern states, again where there’s this huge Black population,” Agyemang said. 

Amid the Jim Crow Era, the Civil Rights Movement emerged as African American activists were not just advocating for the right to sit at a lunch counter or attend a decent school, but to gain the right to vote. Different voting campaigns in the South such as the Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee played a huge role in registering or attempting to register people throughout the South. In the political sphere, the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party was created by Activist Fannie Lou Hamer to challenge the Mississippi State Democratic Party, which was made up of Southern Dixiecrats who were very committed to maintaining Jim Crow and inequality. The challenge ended up not being successful, but it highlighted the need for reform within the Democratic Party. 

After the Civil Rights Era, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 opened the avenue for Black Americans to gain economic power through electoral politics. The nation started to see more Black mayors being elected after the first Black mayor of a major city: Carl Stokes of Cleveland, Ohio in 1967. In 1972, Shirley Chisholm who was the first Black woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress ran for US President. She did not win, but it was significant for a Black woman to be on a major party ticket. After 2020, Agyemang noted that a surge in first Black mayors occurs and she believes that the Black Lives Matter Movement is connected to this surge. 

“I mean, there is no way you can’t connect that to the Black Lives Matter Movement, George Floyd, and all these conversations about race happening in 2020 and after. I don’t think that it is a coincidence that we see this really large resurgence in Black mayoral candidates and being elected as the first Black mayor of certain cities, which is not national, but I thought I would add that in,” Agyemang said. 

Frederick County Public School Board of Education candidate Veronica Lowe believes that there is a significant shift in the number of Black individuals running for political office due to several factors such as increased representation, grassroots movements, demographic changes, support networks, and changing perceptions. Lowe believes that successful Black politicians like Barack Obama and Kamala Harris have inspired more Black individuals to pursue politics. Additionally, there is a growing recognition of the value of diversity in leadership, leading to more support for Black candidates. 

“The rise of leaders like Barack Obama and Kamala Harris has had a profound impact on the political landscape. Their success has demonstrated that Black individuals not only belong in leadership roles but can thrive in them. Seeing people who look like you breaking barriers at the highest levels of government inspires others to follow in their footsteps, fostering greater diversity and representation in politics,” Lowe said. 

Agyemang believes since the Civil Rights Era, there has been a steady diverse slate of candidates not only with race, but with women candidates. We are starting to see openly LGBTQIA+ candidates because overtime laws have come into place to allow more people to participate in the electoral process. Lowe believes that the U.S. is becoming more diverse and this is more reflected in the electorate, which increasingly supports candidates who represent their communities. 

“America’s changing demographics are being reflected in its politics. As our nation becomes more diverse, voters are looking for representatives who understand their lived experiences. Black candidates bring a unique perspective to the table, and as the electorate seeks leaders who reflect their own communities, we see more Black individuals stepping into political roles to bridge that representation gap,” Lowe said.

According to NBC News, there has been a surge in backlash against DEI initiatives across many states including Florida, Texas, and Utah. Agyemang thinks there is this sense of urgency emerging amongst Black people. 

“So, I think for Black people in particular, there is this sense of urgency because there is a rollback in things like the Voting Rights Act, which parts of it have been gutted or if we are thinking of social movements and racial reckoning and seeing the gains of those movements being rolled back, there is this sense of urgency. I think Black people for a long time have seen the power and potential in electoral politics, but I do think now there is this renewed sense of urgency for sure,” Agyemang said.