The 2008 United States Presidential Election was marked by an incredible youthfulness as a generation of young people flocked to the polls to determine the fate of the country, but as we draw closer to the coming election day on November 6th, 2012, the passionate pleas for change from America’s youth have become a distant memory.

As most can remember, at the heart of the 2008 presidential election was the idea that America needed true, lasting change and someone to deal with the numerous economic and social problems the country faced. It was a heated battle between Republican candidate John McCain and Democratic candidate Barack Obama, as evidenced by the fiery debates and the cunning campaign tactics.

The actual election was marked with some significant milestones, including the election of America’s first African American president. Over 23 million Americans under 30 turned to the polls. The youth campaigned, protested, and invested numerous hours in this fight for change in America.

“The last election was so exciting. It made you want to get involved,” said sophomore Manisha Nannapeneni. “I actually helped Obama’s campaign by calling people and persuading them to vote for him.”

Elise Readen, sophomore, said, “I remember watching all the news stories about young people getting involved with the elections. It was different than any other election I’ve ever lived through. It was actually fun.”

For many young people, however, the coming election hardly inspires the same kind of excitement or passion. The question is why has youth involvement in the election dwindled so sharply from the last election?

The lack of any captivating candidates has caused many to lose interest in the outcome of the elections- current president and Democratic candidate, Obama, will be facing, Republican candidate, Mitt Romney.

“There’s nothing interesting about the coming elections. The republican candidate is a total bore and I basically already know what Obama’s going to do in his campaign,” said sophomore Yi Ying. “It just feels like a total waste to even vote at all.”

Ana Umana, sophomore, said, “Before Romney was chosen, I watched a lot of debates between the Republican candidates. None of them were particularly entertaining and that’s what I look for- someone who can keep you guessing.”

Others are fed up with American politics in general and are doubtful that any candidate could genuinely revise the system.

“It doesn’t even matter if we vote. No one is going to be able to make any real changes. If a Democrat is voted into office, then the Republicans will be fighting all his reforms. If a Republican is voted in, then the Democrats will be fighting all his reforms. It’s completely hopeless,” said sophomore Donnie Bishop.

Despite the total apathy of many young Americans toward the 2012 United States Presidential Elections, most honestly wish that whatever the outcome is that America will continue on a path to change and, perhaps, achieve a greater unity.

“Whether Obama or Romney wins, I just hope that the new president will be able to make America a better place. I think that idea gets lost sometimes with all the campaign nonsense, “ said sophomore Toshali Randev.