UCSC students gather to watch Super Tuesday results

A new political generation is ready to vote – millennials. Aged roughly 18 to 24, political experts say these voters will be an important bloc in swing states in the 2016 presidential elections.

“Even if this election isn’t decided by the millennial vote, the next election will be,” said UC Santa Cruz student Dantecade Harootunian.

From health care and student loans to income inequality, millennials are making their voices heard. But there’s a problem, getting young voters to the polls historically isn’t easy.

“We could have a massive impact in changing the political tone in the nation but the way our voter turnout is today, that’s simply not happening,” said Regan Cunneen, president of UCSC College Democrats.

Cunneen said Sen. Bernie Sanders is doing a good job mobilizing young voters.

“Student loan debt obviously is a major component of Bernie Sanders’ campaign and I think that speaks to a lot of people,” said Regan.

On Tuesday night, members of the UCSC College Democrats gathered to watch the Super Tuesday results. But not everyone is “feeling the Bern.”

“I’m the only Hillary supporter in that room but it’s OK, I think she’s going to win,” said UCSC student Jon Ball.

Sen. Ted Cruz is capturing young voters for Republicans. He’s publicly talked about his own struggles paying for college. But in his way is billionaire businessman and TV personality Donald Trump. He’s even got the support of some on the other side.

“I’d like to see Trump win most of the states because I think he will be the weakest opponent in the general election,” said Harootunian.