Chicago State University students turn out to vote early, express their values
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Election Day is just five days away, and Chicago State University is not only encouraging people to vote early, but also encouraging them to express why their votes matter.
Dressed in the school colors of green and white, the Chicago State University marching band led the way for students to cast their votes Thursday.
The university hosted its first "Stroll to the Polls" to encourage voter registration and participation.
"We know the importance of this election, so we're bringing together the community, alumni and students to really stroll to the polls," said Antwone Cameron, dean of students at CSU.
Quimari Carter is a junior, and he voted Thursday He said he was raised to speak up if he wanted to see change in his community.
"I'd like to see like women have their own choice when it comes to their body. That's the main thing I see that has been a real issue," Carter said. "I'd like to see a lot more representation in the Black community."
Valencia Davis, who's also a junior, says there's a disconnect for Generation Z when it comes to voting.
"This generation needs to know the why. We need to know, why are we voting? We need to see it in real time, and we need to understand, you know, why," said Davis. "I think that's pretty much the disconnect. We don't really have the why, but this event definitely gave us insight on the why."
CBS News Chicago found today's youngest voters make up a quarter of the population—enough to tip the scales on Tuesday of next week.
According to CIRCLE, a non-partisan, independent research organization at Tufts University, 41 million Gen Z'ers are eligible to vote in this year's presidential election.
For 8 million, this will be the first time voting.
"I feel like if you want change, you have to do what you need to do," said CSU senior Adaria Blackwell, "and that's voting."