“They spend more time talking about what the other side is doing wrong instead of what they stand for.”

In an interview, 19-year-old sophomore Bob Aden shared his thoughts on the election and his uncertainty about voting. While recent conversations and new information have impacted his perspective, Aden remains undecided about whether he will cast a ballot.

Allie Mitchell: Are you planning on voting in this upcoming election?

Bob Aden: I’ve been thinking about it. I don’t know if I’m fully committed yet, but it’s somewhere in my plans.

Allie Mitchell: What’s making you unsure about voting?

Bob Aden: I don’t really have a political preference. I think both sides have a lot of issues that I don’t completely agree with, which makes me feel iffy about it.

Allie Mitchell: Are there specific things you disagree with on both sides?

Bob Aden: Yeah, it’s more about political tactics. Each side just points out the negatives of the other. They spend more time talking about what the other side is doing wrong instead of presenting what they stand for. I feel like it’s become a “he said, she said” situation. It feels like watching toddlers argue, and I don’t really like either option.

Allie Mitchell: Did you know Wisconsin is a swing state? Does that impact your decision?

Bob Aden: I just found out today from a friend. But no, it doesn’t really change my view. Both sides seem pretty evenly matched here, so I don’t think my vote would make much of a difference. But it’s also that I just don’t care much about politics in general — it just doesn’t make sense to me.

Allie Mitchell: Have you voted in any previous elections?

Bob Aden: I’ve only done surveys in school. I’m 19, so I haven’t been eligible for long, and I haven’t voted in anything major yet.

Allie Mitchell: How do your peers’ attitudes about voting affect you?

Bob Aden: I know my friends have their own political views. My roommate, for example, is pretty vocal about who he’s voting for, and it’s made me lean toward voting differently just because I don’t agree with him. But I’m still unsure overall.