SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — The 2024 election is just a month away, and the voter registration deadline in Tennessee has officially passed.
Both campaigns are trying hard to secure the always-critical youth vote, and at the University of Memphis, young people and first-time voters want their voices to be heard on a wide range of issues, including the economy, abortion and the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which is fueling the war in Gaza.
“I personally think that I wouldn’t vote for either candidate. I feel like both are more worried about foreign policy rather than within the United States,” said student Ayah Altabbaa.
According to ABC News, a wide gender gap among Gen-Z has opened up as women under 30 favor Vice President Kamala Harris 70 to 23, while men under 30 only favor her 53 to 36.
“Personally, an issue that is important to me is women’s rights,” said student Natalie Nguyen.
One student had a simple request for what they want out of this election.
“I’d say just being able to afford enjoying my daily life, honestly,” said student Neena Wohabrebbi.
As with the last two elections, this race may come down to voters who decide who they’re supporting late in the game, a group that is historically less engaged with political news and may not be paying attention to the campaigns yet.
If you want to vote absentee in either Tennessee or Arkansas, you must request an absentee ballot by Oct. 29. Those in Mississippi have until Nov. 4 to request one.
In Tennessee, early voting starts Oct. 16 and runs until Oct. 31.
In Arkansas, early voting is from Oct. 21 to Nov. 4.
Mississippi does not have early voting.