The future of voting is changing

The Voter Choice Act has changed the way people cast their ballots in the Central Valley.

Even with the new law, getting people to vote during election season is still difficult, especially for students, who say they are too busy to go out and vote.

Fresno State student Vanessa Agcaoili said her main focus is school and not the primary election.

“It’s just not a priority for me at the moment. Like I’m just stressed out with school and everything,” Agcaoili said.

Registration and voting can be a hassle for some people, but Fresno County has made voting more accessible. With the Voter Choice Act, voters have three options. They may mail in a ballot, drop it off at a dropbox, or go to a polling location.

“Were having trouble,” says Andy Hansen-Smith, chair of the Fresno Democratic Party. “People get registered. People don’t always come out to vote.”

Hansen-Smith hopes that the new law will encourage voters to turn out and make a difference. Fresno County reported less than 25 percent of registered voters turned out for the primary election. But that number may be closer to 49 percent. Even with new rules, many student voters still did not take part.

Engineering student Tremaine Wheeler said he does not have a desire to vote.

“Not in particular no, because in politics in my stand point I’m at the center in the political spectrum. Voting is a divide in our country,” Wheeler said.

Wheeler’s preference is not to vote but instead, stay neutral.

The future of voting is changing. If you haven’t registered to vote or you need more information, visit the Fresno County election’s office website.