News outlets are predicting that the outcome of the election will come down to seven key swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Some news sources are citing Pennsylvania as the most important swing state of 2024.
Pennsylvania formed a Blue Wall from 1992 to 2012, but in 2016 it came down, as Donald Trump narrowly flipped the state. The outer metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia proved their support for Trump. Joe Biden’s edge in 2020 was still slim, as he only carried Pennsylvania by more than one percentage point.
This past week and in the weeks before, both Trump and Kamala Harris have hosted numerous campaign events in Pennsylvania. Harris appeared at a town hall in Malvern, hosted a rally in Harrisburg and hosted an event with former President Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen in Philadelphia. Trump made appearances in Drexel Hill, Allentown and Lehigh Valley. He also hosted a rally at Penn State, home to 88,000 eligible student voters.
Pennsylvania is home to thousands of students spanned across many universities. College students are legally allowed to vote in the state they hold residence in. Given the unique position they hold in a swing state, many Villanovans have been actively registering to vote in Pennsylvania.
Senior students Elise Tugander and Emma Conlin spoke on their decisions to vote in Pennsylvania.
“I decided to vote here because I am from New York, and I felt like my vote would matter more here than it would at home since Pennsylvania is a swing state,” Tugander said.
“As a New Yorker, I’m choosing to vote here in Pennsylvania simply because my vote matters more here,” Conlin said.
The Villanovan asked students about the importance of voting and why they are choosing to exercise their right to vote.
Junior student Andrew Smith spoke on the importance of voting in every election, placing no more emphasis on this year.
“I think it is important to vote every year,” Smith said. “People overlook the influence, power and impact that the down-ballot has on our lives. It is our duty as citizens of this great country to vote in every election, in order for our country to remain great.”
Conlin and Tugander also spoke on the importance of voting, mentioning certain issues of importance that came to mind.
“I truly believe that this election could forever change the course of history in either direction,” Tugander said. “If we want our future to look a certain way, we must use our right to have a say in that future through voting. Voting is very important probably now more than ever because I personally believe that democracy and respect of human dignity is on the line.”
Conlin echoed her statements, citing women’s rights as an important issue that is leading her to vote.
“I care deeply about women’s rights in this upcoming election and believe that voting in a swing state is the way I can maximize my voice,” she said.
Conlin also spoke on how voting can affect upperclassmen students post-grad, who will soon leave the college bubble.
“As a senior who will be entering the workforce and soon take on various financial and social responsibilities, the results of this election will have real impacts on my life as a new graduate,” she said. “I think it’s crucial to vote for the future world you want to live in.”
Smith acknowledged the importance of voting in every election and the fear-mongering tactics sometimes used to get people to vote.
“The easiest way to get people out to vote, especially young people, is to fear-monger them or make them feel immensely powerful for voting,” Smith said. “Our votes matter, but they always matter no more or no less in any election cycle.”
He also commented on the media’s portrayal of Pennsylvania as one of the most important swing states.
“Pennsylvania has definitely been the focal point for this year’s election,” Smith said. “Both parties think the election will come down to Pennsylvania, however, elections are unpredictable and there is a high likelihood of an upset in other states that could swing the election.”
Tugander highlighted Pennsylvania’s decisive role in national elections.
“I think there is a very high chance Pennsylvania will determine the election and our votes can affect the outcome because just a couple of thousands of votes determined the 2016 and 2020 elections for Pennsylvania,” Tugander said.
The election is now a few days away. As the race between Trump and Harris heats up in Pennsylvania, The Villanovan encourages students to do their research and get out and vote.
