Members of the campus group MU Leads the Vote are dedicated to helping young voters understand the importance of voting, and they are providing students with knowledge and registration assistance so they can confidently cast their ballots.

Alyssa Grieco, junior government, law and national security major and club leader, said the effort is especially important for upcoming election.

“Voting is important because every vote counts in an election. People do not understand that government and legislature directly impacts everyone’s lives and careers, so voting is essential in order to advocate for your own views,” said Grieco

Tori Carsley, senior government, law and national security major, said she believes it is about people using their voices.

“Voting is important because it allows individuals to use their say in choosing someone that best supports their views,” she said, adding that young people should not think their preferences and concerns do not matter.

“Individual votes are so important because everyone’s voice matters. It does not matter what your views are, but each vote counts toward both the popular and electoral college votes. To believe that your own vote is irrelevant is ludicrous,” said Grieco.

Carsely said everyone’s voice is crucial.

“Individual votes are so important because one vote can make a difference,” Carsley said.

Alternate voting methods, including mail in ballots and early voting, have become popular in Pennsylvania due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grieco believes the use of mail in ballots is a safe alternative to voting in person.

Grieco and Carsley stressed that everyone should work to ensure that they research candidates using credible sources.

“Individuals can review and research candidates from legitimate sources not just through social media platforms,” Carsley said.

Grieco also said doing prior research is important because it ensures voters are using facts to form their own opinions on candidates, both up and down the ballot.

“People should understand that this election is not only presidential. Research should be done in regard to who is on the ballot in each state. Do not go in blind. Know the policies and the people in which you are voting for. Vote for who you believe in. Don’t vote for someone just because someone told you to,” she said.

Grieco said this year’s election is particularly important due to the intense political polarization in society.

“I believe this year is so important because of how radical this country has become,” Grieco said. “I think whoever is elected will truly represent what the American people want. I can say that this election will definitely be in the history books regardless of who becomes president.”

Carsley added that the multiple stressors and challenges provide much for voters to consider.

“The emotional charge, the global pandemic, the economic effects due to the pandemic, and such differing views of candidates are just some of the prominent things in this upcoming election compared to others,” she said.

She said she encourages everyone to vote even if they don’t feel like they want to.

“I would tell people that voting is important and just because you do not like politics of think it may not affect you, it does.  Also, if you want to make a change one way or another use your voice and vote,” said Carsley.

Grieco agreed, saying she believes the main stumbling block that prevents many young people from casting their ballots is a lack of knowledge.

“I would ask them why. I would try to understand what their reasoning is because I believe the biggest factor in lack of voting is lack of understanding and knowledge. I would try to educate them on the importance of civic engagement as well as encourage them to study their local and state legislators,” she said.

Grieco said participation can be educational.

“Be involved, learn something new, try and see how the government affects your daily life so that you can be inspired to vote,” she said.

The election is Nov. 3. Any student interested in finding out when, where and how to vote should contact Grieco or Carsley.