College students often ignore politics. Yet, with the 2026 midterm elections coming on Nov. 3, the pressure for Generation Z to engage in politics is growing.
Politics might seem dull or burdensome. Instead, consider that college is uniquely designed to let students explore their values.
College might be a student’s first time away from home for an extended period or meeting people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Political participation doesn’t have to be treated as an interest or pastime, but a mode of self-expression. For example, voting is a simple, anonymous way to voice one’s opinion.
A Tufts University report found that 31.3% of all college students nationally voted in the 2022 midterms, out of the 76.1% registered. A survey from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement found that two-thirds of college students nationwide are “extremely likely” to vote in 2026, a far higher potential yield.
In Louisiana, the high-profile Senate race features Republican Julia Letlow and Democrat Jamie Davis. Letlow defeated incumbent Bill Cassidy in the primary and currently serves as the House Representative for the 5th District. Davis is a farmer, small-business owner and public servant, according to Ballotpedia.
Louisiana is Republican-led at the state and federal levels. Hence, election models project that Letlow will continue that trend, although polling on this election is almost nonexistent. That said, anything can happen because election conditions never repeat exactly. Nationally, Republicans currently hold a majority in both chambers of Congress, but other projections show the Democrats could flip both this election.
Out of Louisiana’s six congressional districts, Lafayette resides in the third, where Republican Clay Higgins is up for reelection, challenged by Democrat John Day, among others. Additionally, 10 Louisiana constitutional amendments will be on the ballot.
Under state law, on-campus students can change their residence to their housing address solely for voting purposes, which allows students to vote at an on-campus polling site.
Student organizations, including those dedicated to promoting political acuity, can be found on Campus Groups. The Vermilion interviewed the University chapters of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), College Democrats and the Progressive Student Union about their plans in the upcoming months.
TPUSA President Hunter Goodman, a junior kinesiology major, wants “elected officials who prioritize the issues that matter, uphold constitutional principles and remain accountable to the people they represent, as these are the American values we were founded on.” TPUSA describes itself on its national website as the “largest conservative student movement in the nation,” with about 800 college chapters.
Carter Stroud, a junior marketing major, serves as president of the UL Lafayette College Democrats. They’re “aiming to start hosting monthly meetings in October,” and are looking for individuals to fill leadership positions. He also said his organization is “hoping for a House sweep by the Democrats,” and that Democrats will flip the Senate.
Both Stroud and Goodman shared similar intentions to hold voter registration drives on campus. Above all, Stroud stressed, “It doesn’t even matter who you vote for… Make your voice known in a democratic process.” Goodman echoed those sentiments. He wants students to “engage respectfully with people of differing perspectives, research issues and make informed decisions for themselves.”
The Progressive Student Union (PSU), led by junior nursing major Walker Miles, suggests options further to the political left, like the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which has more popularity in local races.