University students say they followed the presidential election fairly closely and were pleased with record voter turnout. But many also say they were disappointed with the election results.
Among 20 random students interviewed yesterday on Central Grounds, 17 said they were dissatisfied or indifferent to President George W. Bush's reelection.
"I was very upset," first-year Engineering student Ann Lastuvka said. "In my opinion, it was a big election year, and there was high voter turnout. That usually only happens when people want someone out of office, so I thought [Democratic Sen. John] Kerry would win."
Fourth-year Engineering student David Urban, also a Kerry supporter, said he was less sure of the outcome as the election approached.
"I knew it was going to be close but really didn't know who was going to win," Urban said. "I was hoping for different results."
Among self-proclaimed moderate Kerry supporters, the common sentiment was that Bush would win the election.
"I don't think that the average American knows about international policymaking," said third-year Commerce student Guileen Tiwana. "Bush seemed to be able to speak to the common person. Bush connects to people, he has that skill."
Other students were pleased with the election outcome.
"I drank a lot of wine -- a glass at 100 electoral votes for Bush and another at 200 -- and was really happy," fourth-year College student Kate Higbee said.
Most students said they closely followed the election, researching the candidates' platforms online, reading newspapers and watching television reports. The presidential debates also were widely watched by students.
"I felt like I needed to know the issues," said third-year College student Dylan Hawkins, who favored Kerry. "Everybody in my fraternity was a Bush supporter, and I felt that I needed to defend my beliefs."
No matter who they voted for, students were mostly upbeat about Tuesday's voter turnout, which was the highest since 1968.
"I think it's a great thing, it shows a lot more civic pride and interest in politics," second-year College student Jake Fowler said.
Some expressed concerns, though, about the lack of youth voter turnout despite an apparent increase in youth voter registration.
"It would have been more of a voice for everyone," second-year College student Alison Grant said. She said she was disappointed that young people did not take advantage of the opportunity to vote.
"We're allowed to," Grant said. "They didn't."
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