But he is undecided on for whom he is going to vote and plans to study the candidates' platforms.
"Who would be the strongest candidate to reach the unreachable?" he said. "To pick up those who have fallen and carry those who have been left behind?"
Peoples, whose family has strong Republican ties, said many of his college friends question whether their vote really matters. He said the biggest issue he sees among people his age is a general fear of being ignored.
"People are afraid to step up, step out and be heard," he said.
Another big problem is borrowing money to pay for college.
"A lot of students are in serious debt," Peoples said. "A lot of students are drowning in their own debt."
David Rader
Rader, a 20-year-old junior at the University of Texas at Arlington, is in Romney's political camp.
"I'm a Republican, so naturally I vote for the Republican," said Rader, who is studying architecture.
Rader said he wants to give Romney a chance to try his economic ideas and a chance to grow more jobs -- in the United States.
Rader said the economy ties into the top concerns of young voters.
The biggest issue for young voters?
"The prospect of having a job once you graduate," Rader said.
Many college students are worried about being tied to high debt the rest of their lives, Rader said.
Rader said Romney could usher an end to backroom deals and overtaxing.
"I do think my vote matters -- especially in a close race like this one," Rader said.
Shannon Moriak
Moriak, a 21-year-old University of North Texas senior, said she is a conservative because of her views on government spending, economics and foreign affairs. Moriak, who is majoring in music education, said she is against Obama's healthcare reform.
Moriak will cast her first vote ever for Romney.
"I like that he has such strong family values," she said.
While Moriak, disagrees with Democrats on fiscal issues, she has strong views on protecting the rights of gay people.
"I believe in gay rights," she said, adding: "This day and age, it's different from when my parents were conservative."
Moriak said her vote counts.
"I do think my vote matters because we, as students, are affected by the economy the most because we will be paying off the national debt for generations to come," she said. "We have the right to choose a president who can help us get out of debt or possibly make it worse."
Mia Witt
Witt is a 19-year-old Democrat studying special education at the University of North Texas.
She favors permanent immigration reform for children of undocumented immigrants who have been raised in the United States (commonly known as the Dream Act). She also believes in marriage equality for same-sex couples.
Witt said she will vote for Obama.
"There are some issues I can't compromise on," Witt said. "Some of my best friends should be able to marry who they love."
Like many college students, Witt worries about mounting student debt and Pell Grant funding. She questions Romney's vice presidential choice, saying that U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan is an advocate of slashing higher education programs such as the Pell Grant. She also monitored recent controversy surrounding interest rates on student loans.
In recent days, Witt worked to register fellow UNT students to vote: "I think every vote matters. I don't care who they vote for."
Most Popular Stories
- Ex-Mobster to Bulger: Just Say Sorry
- Google Stock Split Ahead
- Guns Are Hot in California
- El Paso Symposium Offers Help to Startups
- OSH Selling Most of Its Stores to Lowe's
- MillerCoors Taps New Hispanic Ad Agency
- Small Businesses Hiring, but Worry About Expense
- First Person Cured of AIDS Virus Wants to Help Others
- LULAC Convention Starts With Focus on LGBT Youth
- Honda Says Sorry About the Lack of Electric Fits
News-To-Go
Advertisement
Advertisement
News Column
First-time Voters Concerned About Student Debt, Landing Jobs After Graduation
Page 2 of 2
Source: (c)2012 the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Distributed by MCT Information Services
1 | 2 | Next >>
Story Tools



