‘24 presidential election sees increased voter turnout in UB

Approximately 300 UB students and community members voted at the Center for Tomorrow — UB’s on-campus polling site from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. — on Tuesday. The voter turnout remained steady throughout, with a line often stretching out of the entrance.

Several students, including freshman international business major Kiara Wilson, were eager to get their voices heard.

“I just hope that everyone chooses what’s morally correct and what’s beneficial for everybody,” Wilson said. “There’s a lot like our rights, especially for women, the gay community, the Black/African American community. They all have a lot at stake here.”

About 151,000 Erie County residents voted early ahead of Tuesday’s general election, according to the unofficial counts released by the NYS Board of Elections. As of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Erie County Board of Elections reported over 293,000 residents in total voted so far, part of an overall 82 million of Americans voting. 

The substantial UB voter turnout was due to student advocacy efforts, including the UB Votes Initiative, which was also active during the 2020 election.

Assistant UB Civil Engagement director RJ Haq said that the UB Votes Initiative reached over 5% of the domestic student body, estimating that approximately 300 UB students submitted written applications for absentee ballots.

Jess Williams, a Civic Engagement Ambassador, called voting a “duty.” 

“You’re required as a citizen, to stay educated and stay involved, and especially as a student, it’s so important to make sure your voice is heard and make sure that you're keeping educated and updated and expressing how your needs are going to be changed through policy and politicians,” Williams, a junior law and political science major, said.

Harris and Trump each need 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. 

Mylien Lai is the senior news editor and can be reached at mylien.lai@ubspectrum.com 

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