Take your concerns to the ballot box

Take your concerns to the ballot box Categories: Columns Features Opinions Take your concerns to the ballot box Andrew Bencivengo, Editor-in-Chief October 14, 2026 Star file photo Young people are fed up with the current political climate. At the ballot box, they can turn that frustration into change. Major Texas races, including those for governor and U.S. Senate, are closely contested, so voters at the polls can shape the next few years of Texas and even national politics. Regardless of political orientation, this midterm election offers Texans a unique opportunity to make their voices heard. It’s no secret that young people are growing increasingly frustrated with the current political landscape. A June 2026 poll from the University of Texas’ Texas Politics Project found 54% of registered Texas voters ages 18 to 29 believed the state was on the wrong track. That dissatisfaction extends beyond the state. A Spring 2026 nationwide youth poll by the Institute of Politics at Harvard’s Kennedy School found only 13% of respondents thought the country was headed in the right direction. The obvious advice from many is to simply go out and vote, but young people don’t always turn out at the polls, and many are described as apathetic. However, as The Civics Center argued, the problem isn’t apathy; it’s welcoming young people into democracy and showing them why their voice matters. The obvious question, then, is how to make young people feel their voices are valued. The answer may lie in the upcoming midterm elections. With several races polling closely, the outcome could come down to a relatively small number of votes. An Oct. 8 University of Massachusetts Lowell and YouGov survey of likely Texas voters found James Talarico and Ken Paxton tied at 45% for the Texas Senate race, with 7% of respondents undecided. The Texas Governor race is similarly close, according to the latest polling. The fact that major races are polling within the margin of error means young voters could very well decide the next election, but they have to show up first. Beyond the polls, the candidates’ campaigns may also reveal that voters, especially young voters, have more influence than they realize. Texas Democratic nominee for governor Gina Hinojosa has made restricting costly data center development a campaign priority, while Gov. Greg Abbott has recently shifted his stance, moving from championing the industry’s growth to temporarily halting new data center permits. Data center developments are a major concern for young voters, and while the two campaigns are taking different approaches, both campaigns are responding to these concerns. This shows that, at least on the campaign trail, the nominees know they must listen to their electorate. Concerns surrounding Flock cameras have also drawn responses from both campaigns, further demonstrating how public unease has become a prominent issue in the governor’s race. Now that voters have cast their ballot in the court of public opinion, they have the chance to do so again at the ballot box. Texas early voting for the November 3 election begins Oct. 19 and runs to Oct. 30, with polling locations available across San Marcos and Hays County. For Texas State voters, they don’t need to travel far. The LBJ Student Center is designated as an Early Voting and Election Day polling place, with polling times available on the Texas State Student Involvement website. Voters can check their registration status at Vote.org, and Student Involvement advises voters to make a voting plan, fill out a sample ballot, know the issues, and know what a voting machine looks like and how it works. Hays County sample ballots are available online on the Hays County website. Democracy starts at the ballot box, and young voters can and will make a difference. 0 Like This Story Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story More to Discover More in Columns Guest Column: Filipino Student Association: not just for Filipinos Bobcat football needs to have difficult conversations Your professor is a resource, go talk to them Student visa cap creates uncertainty Don't miss your shot: vaccines promote health TXST cannot thrive without free speech More in Features TXST couple retires after roughly decade of supporting student success 'Cats look to get first conference win vs Colorado State Lucky Cruz finishes in the top 15 at the Testudo Cup Quintanilla leads the Bobcats at Ron Moore Intercollegiate UPD investigates burglary, indecent assault at Cypress TXST Baseball releases 2027 schedule More in Opinions Letter to the Editor: On overcrowded Texas State University shuttles Texas THC ban harms SMTX instead of helping it Letter to the Editor: On young people have a place in state government Erosion of Islam liberties affects universities Think of the little ones: light pollution threatens insects The growth at TXST comes with long-term benefits