Views expressed in opinion columns are the author’s own.

“Vote. This is an election like no other, one that surpasses policy and is rooted in democracy and morality itself.” 

“Let your voice be heard. Make a difference. Be an active and informed citizen.” 

“Contribute to the democratic process. Register online, mail in your ballot, make it to an early voting center, show up on election day.” 

In the weeks leading up to the Nov. 5, 2024 election, this is what we were told by the Kamala Harris campaign and the Democratic Party across social and general media. These tactics targeted young, college-aged voters who are less amenable to traditional campaigning procedures and favor social media related advocacy.

But did it work? Thanks to the Electoral College, each state gets votes based on the number of members of Congress it has, and Maryland has historically voted blue. Harris’ win here was essentially a foregone conclusion, which doesn’t lend itself to the importance of our participation on a national level. 

Instead, an emphasis from Democrats on local elections where University of Maryland students could actually make a difference would incite motivation for voting. 

Several student organizations advocated for voting participation, and the university took steps to make this process simple for students. An informative installation box, a FedEx dropbox to deliver mail-in ballots and an in-person voting location at Stamp Student Union made voting convenient for students living on or near campus, especially since many don’t have cars. 

Of course, absentee ballots that never came, strict state voting restrictions, schedule conflicts, long lines, and confusion regarding assigned polling locations and provisional ballots complicated the process. But these logistical issues pale in comparison to the wider explanation behind low voter turnout — for those in non-swing states, such as Maryland, what is the point? 

That’s the crux of the issue. Democracy is about having an equal and meaningful say. Engaging in it is difficult when you know you don’t. 

Perhaps the lack of young voter turnout cannot be fully attributed to apathy. Instead, it can be linked with the need for actions to produce immediate and favorable results. In 2024, youth voter turnout decreased overall, but it was strongest in swing states — the only ones where voting made a clear and significant impact in the national election. 

But the presidential race is not the only competition that matters. State representatives for the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate are just as, if not more, essential in passing or restricting legislation, and thanks to checks and balances, the president’s power is limited without majorities in Congress. 

The Republican Party unfortunately controls the House and Senate, and checks and balances are increasingly becoming muddied. In 2026, the entire House of Representatives and about one-third of the Senate are supposed to be up for grabs during the midterm elections. Yes, the Trump administration will still hold the executive branch, but these elections should provide Democrats a much-needed majority that would allow them to block some of Trump’s agenda through legislation or refusal to fund. State attorneys general could also fight back against Trump’s agenda by filing lawsuits and contesting the legality of his orders. 

Moreover, elections for attorney generals, judges, governors, education board members and county council representatives can heavily influence state policies and daily life. In 2024, Marylanders codified reproductive rights to the state constitution. The College Park City Council recently held a special election for its District 3 seat on Tuesday. It is in these ballot measures that voters can contribute to a foreseeable and genuine impact regardless of whether their state is a national battleground. 

As the Trump administration starts to implement Project 2025, state leaders have become extremely important in resisting unprecedented and controversial executive actions. The elected attorneys general from 22 states sued to prevent Trump’s desire to end birthright citizenship, also known as the 14th Amendment, and they were supported by a federal court. Similar suits have been filed to block the defunding of medical and public health innovation research. 

Granted, it is not enough for the time being. The majority of the Democratic Party is facing rightful criticism for essentially being silent. Despite certain politicians such as U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes (D-NY, District 14) and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX, District 30) speaking out against the Trump administration, most have remained largely quiet. Ten House Democrats even voted in favor of censuring Rep. Al Green (D-TX District 9) for protesting potential Medicaid cuts during Trump’s State of the Union address. 

The Democratic Party lost the presidency, Congress and all that it represented, but if they wish to hold any value in the coming years, they cannot fold as soon as they fall. If they want to encourage college-aged people to vote in the future, they must continue to be vocal and direct attention down the ballot to the impending elections in which their voice truly will be heard. 

Anushka Shah is a sophomore government and politics major with a concentration in international relations. She can be reached at fromanushkashah@gmail.com.