Yesterday was Election Day for the 2024 general election, and many in the Villanova community had the exciting opportunity to cast their ballot either on or off campus to ensure that their voices were heard. A time filled with so much significance but also uncertainty, the day prompted many different reactions from Villanova students, including those affiliated with Villanova University Democrats. The student organization offered their outlooks and responses to the climactic day of this particularly polarized election cycle.
VU Democrats presidents Isabelle Clare and Annie Curtis commented on both the general anxiety and apprehension their organization experienced leading up to Nov. 5.
“There were definitely a lot of nerves with this upcoming election,” the two presidents said. “There is a lot at stake regarding certain human rights and the future of our government, and Pennsylvania is a key swing state.”
The Democratic organization has also put forth multiple efforts preceding Election Day in order to spur mobilization among Villanova students. “Villanova Democrats held multiple events leading up to this election,” the presidents said. “Many of them were nonpartisan, such as our voter registration tabling– however, our club continued to support and uphold our Democratic values throughout these efforts. So much depends on how Pennsylvania votes, and it was crucial for us to not only express the importance of voting democratic, but of registering and voting in general. ”
The VU Democrats expressed mixed feelings when reflecting on how Election Day unfolded.
“It was a nerve wracking day, but the amount of student turnout we have seen at the Mullen Center has been a source of hope,” the presidents said. “We have faced a lot of difficulty trying to emphasize the importance of politics on Villanova’s campus, so seeing the sheer amount of students voting was rewarding. We think that students are really taking their responsibility to vote seriously, especially in a state like Pennsylvania.”
Moving forward post-Election Day, VU Democrats hope that the Villanova community continues their political discussion and engagement.
“We hope that this political importance does not die out on campus,” the VU Democrats’ presidents said. “Voting for a presidential candidate is only a small part that people can do to uphold their values and support their communities. We hope that people continue to be civically engaged even after the winner is announced.”
Yesterday was a monumental day for not only the Villanovan community, but for the country at large. Students across the political spectrum came together to exercise their right to vote, recognizing Pennsylvania’s critical role in this election. Looking forward to the coming days and weeks, leaders from Villanova University Democrats emphasized the importance of continued political engagement beyond their experiences at the polls. With a shared hope for sustained discussion, these student organizations look forward to fostering an environment where students remain civically active, informed, and empowered to advocate for the issues that matter most to them.
