In this presidential election of 2024, as with every other election, there are first-time voters who are now eligible to vote. As our government and society continue to shift and change, it’s important to this future generation to have input and a say in the direction the country is taking.
The Sopris Sun recently spoke with two of these new voters. Beverley Lopez is 19 years old and a resident of Rifle. At the time of the interview, she had not registered but had a plan in place to do so, and intends to vote in the upcoming election. However, she was still undecided as to which of the presidential candidates she would vote for and was weighing the options.
The Sopris Sun also spoke with Alondra Avila. She is 18 years old and registered. Avila is a Carbondale resident and has already decided which presidential candidate has her vote.
Both agreed that voting is very important for the up-and-coming generation. Lopez said, “I think it’s important to vote, and for all of us to vote since these rights and laws do affect us as the people.”
Avila added, “I believe that the new generation should also have a say in what they want and what they think is right in our society.”
Both of the new voters want the same thing from whichever candidate assumes office: someone who will fairly represent and grow the country. But all of our beliefs and values are different, they each acknowledged. In the end, the two young women will vote for the candidate who better aligns with their beliefs and who promises to address the issues they think are most important.
Lopez, for instance, said that women’s reproductive rights and tax issues are both of significance to her and could be deciding factors when she casts her vote. Avila said, women’s reproductive rights, housing and immigration are important issues that she looked to when making her choice
“I am not the only one who is undecided,” stated Lopez. “For the younger age group … it’s a little difficult, and a lot of pressure, to pick the right one who’s going to lead us and our country to a brighter future”
There are pros and cons for either candidate, said Lopez, and it comes down to who matches up the most to your beliefs. Both interviewees said that making this choice feels like it comes with a great amount of pressure.
Have you cast your ballot? If not, you can still register online at www.coloradosos.gov/voter and vote in person at the Glenwood Springs Community Center Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm, Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10am to 2pm and on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7am to 7pm. For more information, contact the County Clerk’s Office.