Written by JOUR 120: Introduction to Journalism students
LAKE FOREST— Some students at Lake Forest College say they are experiencing generally negative feelings about the 2024 U.S election results. From “frustrated at the world” to “a little disappointed,” students said they felt disillusioned and especially concerned for women’s rights under the incoming Donald J. Trump administration.
“Overall, I am very disappointed,” said junior Leslie Casares, 20.
Rallied through digital platforms such as podcasts and livestreams, nearly 50 million people ages 18 to 29 years old were registered to vote in the 2024 election, including over 8 million youth who turned 18 since the 2022 midterm election, according to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University. Millions more turned 18 since the last presidential election.
Voter turnout among young people ages 18-29 was 42% (with +/- 1% margin of error) overall in the 2024 presidential election, and much higher—50% on aggregate—in key battleground states across the country (GA, MI, NV, NC, PA, WI), the center reported. Among the top issues on college campuses was the future of women’s reproductive rights in the wake of the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, news reports showed.
Lake Forest College was no exception. The future of reproductive rights remain a major concern, several students said. All of those interviewed said they were disappointed in the results, though others in interviews before the election said they backed Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris.
Claire Aimone, a 21-year-old-junior at Lake Forest College, said she felt frustrated and uncertain about what is going to happen.
“I think it’s going to be a few bumpy months to see if women’s rights get taken away,” she said.
Ryan Caparrelli, a 22-year-old senior, agreed, saying he’s concerned about whether the rights of his female friends will be affected.
“I’m not worried about me. I’m worried about women’s rights,” he said.
Others were less concerned.
“My life is the same as it was five days ago,” said Anna McCluskey, a 21-year-old senior. “But if I am going to lose my rights, I am mildly concerned.”
Benjamin Tabori, an 18-year-old freshman, said he felt torn about the election results.
“I’m quite disappointed. I thought it was going to be a close race,” Tabori said. “I hoped that Kamala would’ve won, but unfortunately, it did not work out that way.”
Utopia Pasika, a 20-year-old sophomore, said she felt the same way: “I was in disbelief because I thought Kamala was going to win.”
