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200431 https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.2.N.200431 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0 2025-05 65 pages Iben, Catherine Rouse, Stella Strickland, James Barrett, The Honors College School of Politics and Global Studies School of Civic & Economic Thought and Leadership Division of Teacher Preparation In 2024, approximately 42% of the youth population (ages 18-29) participated in the election, reflecting a decline from 2020’s historic turnout. In Arizona, 18-19-year-olds voted at a rate of 46%, an 18-point increase since 2016 (CIRCLE, 2021). While these trends are promising, young voters still encounter significant barriers to participation. Research indicates that lack of information about candidates, confusion over voting procedures, and logistical challenges often deter young voter turnout. Additionally, while universities play a key role in fostering civic engagement, they frequently face structural challenges such as limited funding and fragmented institutional support. Programs targeting voter registration help increase participation but rarely address the systemic barriers that prevent long-term engagement. Furthermore, existing research does not fully explore how student identities such as race, socioeconomic background, and other intersecting factors influence voting behaviors. This thesis examines the factors influencing voter participation among Arizona State University (ASU) students, analyzing structural and cognitive barriers. Through survey data and existing literature, I explore the extent to which institutional factors, such as voter registration policies, access to polling places, and civic education, affect student voter turnout. Finally, I propose targeted reforms to improve electoral accessibility and engagement at ASU and in broader higher education settings. Student voter turnout Youth political participation University civic engagement Higher Education Civic Education Understanding Factors Influencing Voter Participation Among Students at Arizona State University