LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After a long campaign season, we finally know who will succeed President Joe Biden. Now, almost two years after former President Donald Trump announced his re-election campaign, he won the 2024 presidential election.
President-elect Trump won Kentucky early on election night. That win, along with many of the swing-states, pushed Trump over the necessary 270 electoral college votes to win the presidency.
Several students at the University of Louisville told WHAS11 they didn't vote.
"I don't see my vote really having to matter, especially as a center leaning to the left," one student said.
"I just didn't like any of the candidates, so I didn't see a purpose to vote," said another.
It was a common theme among Gen Z voters, which was a voting block that both the Trump and Harris campaigns needed to secure. Students like Cameron Hennessey and Bella Spencer, however knew they had a responsibility to vote.
"I voted because of the border and the cost of housing," Hennessey said. Spencer had other reasons, "I voted for someone who was accepting and willing to make a change and standup to everyone all over this country," she said.
Meanwhile, in Indiana, longtime voters were excited to get to the polls and continue their traditions.
"I voted for Trump," Bill Early said. "I think he'll unite the country and hopefully the party will come together and agree on stuff."
Cyndie Rees had an optimistic view and knew she needed to show up to vote.
"I voted for women's rights, freedom for all groups of people, the economy, job security, and immigration," she said.
While acknowledging every vote matters, she's ready for what's to come no matter who's in command.
"Remember that we are Americans and that we do need to stand beside each other, hopefully we will be the United State of America again," Rees said.
The UofL's Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement's non-partisan Cards Vote Everywhere program is hosting events in the coming days to support voters.
11/7: Cocoa and Conversations- a space for students to be in community and share how they're feeling regarding the election; free hot cocoa will be given while supplies last
1pm-3pm, Humanities 300
11/8: DONUT Stress, We're here to help! - in partnership with the Counseling Center, we will be giving out donuts and stress management resources for students as they process the election results
8am-10am, SAC West Plaza
11/13: Cocoa and Conversations - another time for students to be in community with one another and process the election results
10am-12pm; Humanities 300
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