The phrase “This is the most important election of your lives” has been commonly used to describe the 2024 presidential race. However, for current John Jay students, who have grown up in one of the most tumultuous political climates in history, this phrase has come to mean very little.  

Instead, this phrase has been leaving students feeling drained and depressed with concern to the 2024 presidential race between former President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Students are experiencing stress due to the high stakes involved in this election as well as their sense of lack of control of the outcome. 

In specific, students have had to evaluate big ticket issues such as climate change, abortion rights, and international policy.

Students are not alone in feeling anxious and apathetic with respect to the 2024 presidential race.

Lisa-Marie Sittner, a student at John Jay, shared why she is anxious about the election.

“I think I’m just nervous about the outcome [be]cause either outcome is not looking so good,” said Sittner.

Many students have shared that they feel hopeless for the future of the United States irrespective of the 2024 presidential election outcome. 

Mansi Tarigoppula, a student at John Jay, expressed that she was unsure of whom she would vote for because of rising international tensions.

“I was undecided at first because of the many policy differences [there are] with both candidates, [including] the recent issues in Gaza,” said Tarigoppula.

However, after ruminating on these factors, Tarigoppula, a first time voter, has decided to vote because she felt that it was still extremely important to vote even with the differences she found herself having with both candidates.

Like many of the previous elections, voting for a third-party candidate is viewed by many as wasted vote. This view is still held even if one’s views may align with the third party candidate more than they do with the views of the two main party candidates.

Gurdev Bhurji, a John Jay student, expressed her worries about the possible jeopardization of the rights of Americans in this election. 

“If I had the opportunity not to vote for Kamala [Harris] I think I would’ve voted potentially third party,” she said. “I just feel in this specific election there is too much riding on choosing between someone who’s capable of handling a presidency opposed to someone who’s willing to abolish every single one of my rights,” said Bhurji. 

Some students have expressed sentiments of abstaining from voting because of their heavy dislike of both candidates. 

Quranza Basnight, a John Jay student, expressed her feelings on why she does not care for either former President Donald J. Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris as presidential candidates. 

“I don’t plan on voting because I don’t like none of the candidates,” she said. “Of course, every election [both candidates say] we’re gonna do this we’re gonna do that and then when they get in office nothing gets done [and] everything stays the same, so that’s why I’m not voting,” said Basnight. 

John Jay students have seemingly lost trust in the American government and some have even given up entirely.

Even with some students’ lack of participation, it does not mean their anxiety about the outcomes have been lessened. Most students are still worried about the results of the election and what that means for the future of the United States, even if they can’t bring themselves to participate and vote.

“Of course, [I’m nervous] because I don’t believe in any of the candidates. I’m leaving it up to God. It is what it is at this point,” said Basnight.