WCU students react to NC voting law changes
By Katie Reeder • SMN Intern
Some opponents of North Carolina’s new voting law claim it negatively impacts college students because of provisions that cut the early voting period and do not allow students to use their campus photo identification cards as a valid form of identification to vote. Students at Western Carolina University were asked their thoughts on the new law.
Patrick Killian • Rising junior from New Jersey
Killian said the added voting requirements would be an added hassle for college students.
“College students are lazy. They want the simplest means of doing something.”
Neal Seaman • Rising sophomore from Atlanta
Seaman said he thinks college students should be able to use their university-issued photo IDs.
“ID is ID. You’re identifying who you are, so if that’s the only thing [college students] have, they should be happy they’re coming to vote instead of making them get something else.
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Julie Cregger • Rising junior from Raleigh
Cregger said she is registered to vote in her hometown. She thinks the early voting changes will make it harder for students who aren’t from this area to vote.
“I don’t like that the early voting is shorter… I can’t drive home to vote because it’s a six-hour drive.”
Kaitlin Bishop • Rising sophomore from Franklin
“I don’t really see a reason in changing it if it’s been working the way it has been for a while.”
Steven Tripp • From Craven County
Tripp did not agree with the law’s elimination of preregistration, but he thought the photo ID requirement was a good step.
“I think they really should police it a little better. That way it’s actually people who are supposed to be voting.”
Brandon Hepler • Graduate student
“It seems necessary so that we can confirm who you are. It does make it difficult for people who don’t have a driver’s license.”
Kenyatta Fortune • Graduate student from Winston Salem
“It sounds like it cuts out younger people. It gives that demographic less of a voice. Voter turnout is very small already, so this is jut going to make it less significant.”
Shonda Davidson • Rising junior from Statesville
“I understand the ID thing, but I really hope they’re going about it so everybody has a chance.”
Veronica Rivas • Rising junior from Charlotte
Rivas said she has to go home to vote but is considering registering with her campus address.
“It definitely does impact college students. We’re the ones moving around everywhere and don’t have a set address.”
