By: Jamie Holdsambeck

The 2020 Presidential election broke records across the board, with a record number of votes casted, a record number of mail-in ballots casted, and much more.

One of the most interesting revelations about the 2020 election is that young voters voted at much higher rates than in years past. This is a trend that has been in motion since the 2018 midterm elections. Analyses project an increase of about 10 percent in youth voter turnout, particularly in key battleground states. Many of these young voters supported Joe Biden, and are one of the key reasons the former Vice-President is the 46th President-elect of the United States.

There are many theories as to why young voter turnout is increasing. One of the main reasons often cited is social media. Major social media platforms such as Facebook, instagram, and Twitter play major roles in informing the public about voter registration and key election issues.

At the University of Montevallo, a student lead social media campaign helped inform students of key election issues via instagram.

Regardless of the role social media or other entities played in getting young voters to cast a ballot this year, it is obvious young people feel politically motivated. Niyah Jordan, a senior at the University of Montevallo, says, “Our ancestors went through extreme levels of struggle to get rid of voter suppression… I think it is extremely important my voice is heard in every election, local, state, and federal levels.” 

The Trump Administration has filed lawsuits in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Michigan, Georgia, and Arizona, all relating to instances of alleged voter fraud. So far, none of his lawsuits have been successful, and the election results are expected to stand, with President-elect Joe Biden being sworn in January 21, 2021.