University of Georgia students may be learning about the presidential candidates in the classroom and through the news; however, an informal poll, conducted by JOUR 3190 in September, revealed that the political affiliation of a student’s parents might also influence that student’s vote.
A survey of 12 students found that only one would be casting a vote for a candidate contrary to whom his parents were supporting. The 11 remaining students told JOUR 3190 that they aligned politically with their family.
Lindsey Shelton, a junior from Lawrenceville studying psychology, said that although this is her first time voting, she, like her parents, has typically identified with the Democratic Party.
“Once I got older and started understanding politics more I started having those conversations with my parents,” said Shelton, who added that she feels her parents have had an influence on her.
On the other side of the political spectrum is Katie Sanders, a sophomore mathematics major from Forsyth, who plans to vote for Donald Trump in November.
Sanders said her parents would not be happy if she voted for a liberal candidate. “I think there would be some conflict just because I am from a small country town, so if my parents found out that means the whole town knows,” said Sanders before adding, “They’re not very fond of liberals.”
The percentage of UGA students interviewed who align with their parents politically is far above the national average. A 2008 study published in The American Sociological Review found that more than half of respondents rejected or misidentified their parents’ political beliefs.
JOUR 3190 asked students five questions regarding their personal as well as their parents’ political beliefs. Twelve students were chosen at random on and off campus locations, including the Miller Learning Center and the Georgia Theatre.
Tunuja Anne, a freshman undeclared major from Alpharetta, Georgia, said her traditionally conservative parents surprised her this election season by supporting Hillary Clinton. Anne, who described her family as “really conservative,” never expected that she would be voting for the same candidate as her parents. “I think it’s because Trump is so far right that they will be voting for Hillary,” said Anne.
On the other hand, one student will be surprising his parents with his vote.
“I am going to hold my nose and vote for Hillary Clinton” said Daniel Jackson, a senior from Eatonton, who is studying journalism and describes himself as “traditionally conservative.”
As for his conservative parents? Eaton said, “they are sticking with the red ticket.” Eatonton added of political discussion at home, “It really hasn’t been that heated because they try to stop the conversation before we start to argue in earnest, but I love to argue.”
Like all of the students surveyed, except one, Eatonton added that he didn’t mind thinking differently than his parents.
“They are very much pro-Republican, despite who the nominee is, and I vote based more on the candidate” said Eatonton, “I have my own ideas that are kind of off the wall.”