It’s Election Day, and campus is abuzz with activity and emotion — both with the excitement of getting to watch, in real-time, votes flow in for the next leader of the United States, but also with a profound sense of anticipation, nervousness and stress. Perhaps it is the historic polarity between opposing parties, or the pervasive letters, advertisements and texts sent during this election cycle. Or maybe it is the deeply important issues at stake on the ballot — from reproductive freedoms to climate change to tax policy. One thing is certain: there is a genuine sense that this is, as many media outlets have deemed it, the “most important election in our lifetime.”
And Dartmouth students can play a crucial role. As polling stations open this morning, we urge all eligible voters who have not yet cast their ballots to do so. Our democracy depends on it.
New Hampshire has some of the most complex politics in the country. For the past three years, Republicans have held a trifecta in state government, while Democrats have claimed all four Congressional offices. Historically, Dartmouth students have made a profound impact on filling these posts. In 2016, for example, Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., beat out incumbent Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., by a mere 1,017 votes. The Class of 2028 — many of whom will be casting ballots for the first time — has 1,183 students. A single Dartmouth class could have decided the result. Ayotte appears on the ballot again this year — this time as a gubernatorial candidate facing Democrat and former Manchester mayor Joyce Craig. With Ayotte holding a 4% lead in New Hampshire polls, Politico has dubbed this gubernatorial race the most competitive in the country — and Dartmouth students are, once again, poised to make an impact. Up and down the ballot, from the presidential election to local politics, our community must exercise its civic duty and vote.
In the past, youth voters have too often neglected to cast their ballots. The 2020 election saw only 50% of young people, those aged 18-29, participate in the presidential election. In 2016, the situation was even worse: only 39% cast their ballots for the next U.S. president. And in New Hampshire, a new law may make it even more difficult for young people to vote in future elections. HB 1569, signed by Republican Gov. Chris Sununu in September 2024, will require “proof of citizenship, age, domicile, and identity” to register to vote beginning on Nov. 11, 2024, thus making it harder for students — who may leave required documents at home — to register in New Hampshire. Previously, individuals could sign an affidavit attesting to their identity under penalty of perjury, but the bill removes this option. We want to be clear: this law does not come into effect until after the election. Students not yet registered should not be deterred — you can still register the day of — but should realize that voting may become more difficult in the years to come. We are frightened by this prospect and urge Dartmouth students to remember: you are domiciled in New Hampshire and able to vote in the Granite State. Know your rights, and exercise them.
We also encourage students to take advantage of the various resources available to help them vote today. Multiple groups, including Dartmouth Civics and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., are hosting walking trains to vote at Hanover High School, Hanover’s voting station. Dartmouth Student Government, joined by Dartmouth Votes, Dartmouth Civics, the Rockefeller Center for Public Policy and the House Communities, is also organizing shuttles to transport students to Hanover and Lebanon voting locations. If students are registered to vote — which they can check online — they should bring a valid form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license. However, registered voters without an ID can still vote by signing an affidavit that affirms their identity. Students not registered to vote can register on Election Day by bringing proof of citizenship, identification and New Hampshire residence. However, those without the “necessary proof” may still register at their polling place by signing an affidavit, according to the N.H. Secretary of State website. Students should be informed on the candidates and their policy positions to make the best decisions at the polls. Most importantly, students should carve time out of their busy schedules to make voting a priority.
The bottom line is clear: In a historic election with historic consequences, Dartmouth students should exercise their right to play an important role in shaping our country. Vote.
The editorial board consists of opinion staff columnists, the opinion editors, the executive editors and the editor-in-chief.
