Northern Michigan University students are gearing up for what many see as one of the most crucial and unpredictable presidential elections in American history. With Former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Harris residing as the two nominated candidates for the job. Across NMU’s campus, students are making it clear that they feel the weight of this decision and are preparing to make their voices heard.

According to Alec LaPlante, president of NMU’s College Democrats, young people see this election as a chance to advocate for issues that will shape their future.

“Sparking the initiative right now, having to vote for the first time in their lives, that’s the best thing you can do,” LaPlante said. “Spark the fire so they can keep voting down the line.”

Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has rallied her campaign around protecting reproductive rights and strengthening democratic processes, resonating strongly with young and progressive voters.

While republican candidate Donald Trump’s campaign has made waves with focusing on issues like immigration and nostalgia for lower costs of living pre-COVID, both of which have struck a chord with conservative voters.

Evan Reister, president of Turning Point USA @ Marquette, an organization dedicated to upkeeping conservative values club here at NMU emphasized the importance of going out and voting.

“It’s what makes this country free,” Reister explained. “We should be extremely appreciative we have the ability to go out and vote and choose who we vote for and to choose who’s on the ballot.”

For many NMU students, the election is deeply personal, as it comes at a time when the country is facing fundamental questions about democracy. Trump, the GOP nominee for a third straight election, remains a polarizing figure. His supporters admire his plans to restrict immigration and argue he’s better suited to handle inflation. Harris, meanwhile, has rallied Democrats around issues of reproductive rights and is vocal about maintaining a fair electoral system, especially after Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 results. Both sides are rallying their peers, hopeful that their generation can play an influential role in determining the nation’s direction.

Both club presidents agree on one thing: Michigan’s influence in this election. As a swing state, both candidates have had amplified attention on the state campaigning hard for its 15 electoral votes.

As Election Day approaches, NMU students are coming together to make their voices heard, determined to play their part in shaping the nation’s future.