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Elections

Students Engage in Local and State Elections Amid Midterm Preparations

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As states across the country gear up for local and statewide elections, students from Carleton College and beyond are exercising their right to vote, leveraging the resources provided by the Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE). The upcoming elections, set to take place on November 4, will see key positions up for grabs in cities such as New York City, Minneapolis, and New Jersey.

Carleton students Zoe Magaletta '29 and Ayla Faitelson '28 have already submitted their absentee ballots, weighing in on the candidates running in their home states. Magaletta, a New Jersey resident, expressed concerns about the potential impact of a Republican nominee tied to the Trump administration on her community, citing the importance of supporting a moderate Democrat. Faitelson, a New York City native, opted for State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, citing his progressive platform and commitment to affordable housing, free buses, and universal child care.

Key Takeaways:

  • Carleton students are engaging in local and statewide elections through absentee voting, leveraging resources from the Center for Community and Civic Engagement.
  • Students in New York City are voting on the mayoral election, with State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani running as the Democratic nominee, focusing on affordability and progressive policies.
  • In New York City, a New York Times poll shows Mamdani leading with 43% of the vote, followed by Cuomo with 33% and Sliwa with 14%.
  • In Virginia, Rep. Abigail Spanberger is leading the Democratic nomination for Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Seares, with criticism of the Trump-era tariffs and Department of Government Efficiency layoffs affecting Virginians who work for federal government offices.
  • In New Jersey, Jack Ciattarelli is running against incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy's Democratic opponent, Mikie Sherrill, with concerns about moving closer to Trumpism.
  • Georgia's public service commission election sees a rare off-cycle year, with Democrats attempting to flip the seat by getting out younger voters to vote.

Statistics:

  • 43% of the vote: Zohran Mamdani's lead in the New York Times poll for the New York City mayoral election.
  • 50% of the vote: Rep. Abigail Spanberger's lead in the recent Christopher Newport University poll for the Virginia Lt. Governor's election.
  • 3% margin of error: The Emerson College poll's estimate of the New Jersey governor's election between Sherrill and Ciattarelli.
  • Less than half of voters under 30: Turnout for voters aged 18-29 in elections, with this number expected to be lower in 2025 due to the off-cycle election.

Sources:

  • New York Times (Oct. 29):
  • ABC News (poll from Christopher Newport University):
  • The Washington Post:
  • Tufts University (study):
  • Macon Melody:

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