UNC Students Engage in 2024 Presidential Race

At the University of North Carolina (UNC), students and faculty are engaged in discussions regarding the upcoming presidential elections, particularly highlighting the impact of Kamala Harris's candidacy. The conversations reflect a changing tide in voter engagement, particularly among young voters and those from diverse backgrounds. Many students express excitement about the potential for increased participation, noting that Harris brings a refreshing dynamic to the race compared to previous candidates like Joe Biden, especially given his age and the contemporary relevance of her policies. An informal survey in a political science class showed about two-thirds of students felt a heightened sense of engagement since Harris entered the race, reflecting demographic shifts and an increasing interest among younger voters. Supporters believe that her status as a woman of color and a younger candidate can energize voters, much like the enthusiasm surrounding Michelle Obama in 2012. However, North Carolina's history of leaning Republican poses challenges; the last Democrat to win the state was Barack Obama in 2008 by a narrow margin. As Democrats hope to harness the current momentum and mobilize younger voters, the battle for North Carolina remains competitive and challenging, making Harris's influence integral to their strategy.