On election night, the energy in the bustling Met Media newsroom was electric. Our Bucket List reporters and MSU student journalists from The Metropolitan and Met TV gathered insights from across the Auraria Campus as part of our historic newsroom collaboration on election night.
Lines at the polling station downstairs ebbed and flowed, mostly with student voters carrying their hopes and concerns to the ballot box. Our team interviewed voters to find out what drove them to the polls and what issues were most important to them. From abortion rights to environmental protection, the motivations were as varied as the people who expressed them.
Voter Motivation and Turnout
For many, this election was about more than just casting a vote; it was about making a tangible impact on the future. Some were first-time voters, like Sebastian, a wildlife biology major, who felt a strong sense of excitement and responsibility to influence issues that affect his community and career field.
“I’m here with hope and seeking a better future,” Sebastian said, noting his interest in Prop 127, which addresses protections for mountain lions and bobcats. “Issues between animals and people are something I’m very interested in. I talk about it in my club a lot. I’m excited to be a part of the decision-making and actually have an impact to change things.”
Other voters shared concerns about Proposition 127, which sought to protect mountain lions and end the fur trapping of bobcats. Eden expressed support for this bill, adding that it was among the “most important issues on the ballot.” Mark echoed this sentiment, placing Prop 127 alongside abortion rights and the protection of same-sex marriage as top priorities for him.
The theme of wildlife conservation also resonated with James, who emphasized the importance of “taking care of our wildlife.” Surprisingly, our team noted that the hunting ban was the issue that came up. Perhaps this was due to the spending spree by supporters and detractors on online platforms such as YouTube, which targeted young voters?
Key Issues: Abortion Rights, Public School Funding, and Environmental Protection
First-time voter, Sarah said, “This is my first time voting, so I’m doing this because our voices need to be heard. Also, just to be able to say I voted. I’m here for children and healthcare, so I wanted to put in my vote for that.”Â
Zach, a voter committed to accuracy and transparency, highlighted a critical issue on election night: ensuring people understand the ballot process. “I think it’s an important measure to make sure misinformation about ballots and the system is rigged is dispelled.”
He underscored the importance of trustworthy information in making voting accessible and fair, a sentiment many others shared. One of the most prominent issues was the right to abortion. Saul, a student at Auraria Campus, spoke passionately about Amendment 79, which would codify abortion rights in the state constitution. “That’s a right that everyone needs—people of color, marginalized communities—we’re all affected by it,” he said.
Saul, who represents family members who are unable to vote, expressed strong views on Amendment 80, which could reduce public school funding. “Public schools need more money,” Saul said, expressing his desire for a level playing field for communities of color.
Many voters emphasized social issues and community welfare, with one woman expressing support for gender-affirming care and rights for her friends. For her, the election represented an opportunity to advocate for rights and protections that directly affected her community. Another woman emphasized the importance of reproductive rights and the country’s overall direction.
Zach, another first-time voter, shared that his background shaped his priorities. “What matters for me is family and helping my community,” he explained, motivated by his personal experiences to support measures that aid families facing financial hardships.
Closing Reflections
As the votes were counted, the newsroom remained a hive of anticipation. The voices we heard at the Auraria Campus polling station illustrated the diversity of issues that mattered most to voters. Some were concerned with immediate community needs, while others sought to secure a more inclusive, sustainable future.
On this election night, the Auraria Campus showed that each ballot cast is a step toward a collective vision for the future—a future shaped by the issues they care about and the change they hope to see.
