WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — As the U.S. presidential election approaches, 18-year-old Jordan Vassallo from Jupiter High School is preparing to cast her first vote. Although she has reservations about voting for President Joe Biden, her commitment to specific issues makes him her clear choice.

Vassallo is particularly motivated by a constitutional amendment on Florida’s ballot that seeks to protect abortion rights by preventing the state from banning the procedure before fetal viability. This measure would overturn Florida's impending six-week abortion ban, which Vassallo criticizes, noting that many are unaware of their pregnancy at such an early stage.

This election could be pivotal due to the significant influence of young voters like Vassallo. Over 8 million new voters since the 2022 elections are expected to participate this November. While many share Vassallo’s concerns about gun violence and abortion rights, recent campus protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict have introduced new variables into the electoral equation.

Florida Democrats are hopeful that ballot amendments advocating for legalized marijuana and safeguarded abortion rights will draw young, progressively-minded voters to the polls, potentially offsetting the state's substantial Republican registration advantage. Historical data from AP VoteCast shows a strong turnout from young voters in past elections, particularly influenced by the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Nathan Mitchell, president of Florida Atlantic University’s College Republicans, however, questions the singular impact of the abortion issue on voter turnout, suggesting that other amendments like the legalization of recreational marijuana might be more influential in mobilizing the youth vote.

The AP VoteCast survey supports Mitchell’s perspective, indicating strong support for marijuana legalization among younger Floridians. Still, the challenge remains whether these issues will be enough to overcome the lack of enthusiasm among young voters for Biden’s candidacy.

Despite some dissatisfaction with Biden, young voters played a crucial role in his 2020 election victory, with a significant portion of under-30 voters supporting him. Current concerns among young voters include Biden's handling of various issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict, immigration, the economy, climate change, and abortion policy.

In Florida, the debate over abortion rights continues to be a central issue, with opinions divided even among young voters. Tony Figueroa, president of Miami Young Republicans, acknowledges the significance of the abortion debate but reminds that Florida’s increasingly conservative leanings could influence young voters toward stricter abortion policies.

Conversely, FAU student Trevian Briskey and biology major Matheus Xavier express their support for preserving abortion rights, indicating their alignment with Biden on this and other issues. Xavier, who once considered voting for Trump, has decided to support Biden, driven by the alignment of his personal beliefs with the Democratic platform.

As the election nears, young voters in Florida are poised to have a substantial impact on both the presidential race and key ballot initiatives, highlighting the importance of their involvement in shaping the future political landscape.