With the upcoming 2024 presidential election, students at Belmont prepare for another big year of debates, polling, and anticipation.
“I am registered to vote and I’m generally excited to vote since this will be my first chance in a presidential election,” freshman Anna Ford said.
For some students, this election is the first opportunity they have to vote.
But are they taking the opportunity?
Junior Janelle Bunch said voting in elections helps define her identity.
“Voting to me, being a Belmont student, means understanding the political and social environment of my school. I have a role in upholding and supporting institutions that align with Belmont's community interests and goals,” Bunch said.
But some students have decided to keep out of politics altoghether.
Freshman Taylor Terry said even if politics isn’t her No. 1 priority, she views voting as a priority for students.
“Personally, I haven’t kept up with politics as much and I’m not yet registered to vote, but I think it’s very important,” Terry said.
If students are not from Tennessee, they can request to fill out a form to receive an absentee ballot in the mail.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Feb. 27, 2024.
Tennessee residents can register to vote online at the website GoVoteTN, where they will be able to determine their eligibility.
When completed, students will receive their voter registration card in the mail a few weeks later.
The deadline to register is Feb. 5, 2024.
For more information on registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot, and the 2024 election, students can access the links below:
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This article was written by Lily Koleas