The 2024 Election: A Journey Through the Eyes of a Student

November 14, 2024 - Features

by Austin Christ | Outreach Student Coordinator

Students gather at the Dole Institute to watch the presidential debate between then-former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Photo by Kenna McNally.

Debates, discussions, donations, campaign ads, and “I Voted” stickers. These are the trademarks of an election year, one that comes at a time of tension, polarization, and nervous anticipation for our country. For many students at the University of Kansas, this was the first presidential election they were eligible to vote and participate in. And throughout this season, the Dole Institute provided many opportunities for students to come together during a time when everyone seems to be driven apart.

On Tuesday, September 10^th, the Dole Institute’s Student Advisory Board (SAB) hosted a presidential debate watch party for students. Over 80 students attended the event, enjoying popcorn and catered Chipotle as they watched, listened, laughed, and groaned throughout the debate. Each student was also given a lighthearted bingo card to check off as the debate went on. Afterward, KU Professor Emerita Diana Carlin hosted a lively reflection, with attendees from opposite ends of the political spectrum finding common ground in the midst of a polarized political landscape.

John Della Volpe speaks to Dole Institute Student Advisory Board members and Friends of the Dole Institute during a pizza dinner before his focus group with students. Photo by Jackson DeAndrea.

Just two days after the debate, the Institute welcomed the Harvard Institute of Politics director of polling John Della Volpe to host a student-only focus group designed to help students understand voter sentiment, especially among their peers, ahead of the election. He started by simply asking “What’s a good day look like to you?” From there, the conversation quickly and seamlessly evolved into a deep discussion about our generation’s views on happiness, politics, and shared experiences. By the end, the students in attendance had realized that they may have more in common than previously thought, an important thing to keep in mind during this time.

Students discuss the election and fill out prediction maps as the results appear on the news. Photo by Rebecca Selness.

The climax of such a tumultuous season occurred exactly when you might expect it would: Election Day. Following a monthly meeting on November 5^th, the SAB hosted an election watch party open to all KU students. Boasting an impressive turnout of students, the event featured election-themed cookies, colored-in prediction maps, and many nervous stomachs as students watched the votes pour in on a set of TVs.

Although the decision was not finalized that night, students who followed the election season through Dole Institute events experienced some amazing things. Because of the Dole Institute’s incredible opportunities, students were able to learn about the election process and the political world in unique and engaging ways.

Austin Christ serves as the Outreach Student Coordinator for the Dole Institute of Politics. Through this role, Austin works with student organizations and University departments to raise awareness of Dole Institute events. He is a senior studying Economics, Political Science, and Spanish.

About the Dole Institute
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, a vibrant forum for civil discourse, civic engagement, and idea exchange across the political spectrum, features historical archives, exhibits, and public programs for all ages. Inspired by the public service of native Kansan, veteran, legislator, and statesman Senator Bob Dole and his wife Senator Elizabeth Dole, visitor galleries feature changing exhibits, the Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall, architectural-scale stained glass American flag, and September 11 memorial.