Why this Iowa Millennial is hopeful for the 2024 election

Alicia Korenini’s immediate reaction to President Biden dropping out of the race was confusion and worry—but soon after, the Iowa Millennial began feeling a sense of hope that had been lost for a long time.

For Korenini, 36, of Des Moines, voting isn’t a choice. She has voted in every election since she was 18 years old, and encourages all of her friends to do the same. Even if their preferred candidate isn’t chosen, Korenini said without voting, you are giving in to the candidate that wants to go back in time rather than progress forward.

Korenini said she was most impressed by the massive funding Harris pulled in since the start of her campaign. In just her first week as the presumptive nominee, Harris raised over $200 million, and 66% of those donations were from first-time donors.

“This upcoming presidential election, they keep saying, ‘This is the one that will make history, this is the one that is most important,’” Korenini said. “I think that becomes truer and truer as our country becomes more divided.”

Since Roe v Wade was overturned by the Trump-appointed Supreme Court, Korenini is determined to vote for candidates that will protect bodily autonomy.

“I am most hopeful that (Harris) will be able to bridge this gap of people that are disenfranchised or feel like their voice doesn’t matter,” she added.

Korenini understands why people may be hesitant to vote, pointing to presumed long lines and crowds, along with pressure to choose the right candidates. To ease any anxiety, she encourages eligible voters to attend local events and take friends to the polls with them.

And this election, she said, is more important than ever.

“I don’t want to go back in time. I don’t think there were ‘good ole days’ to return to,” she said. “We all have voices now; it’s important people go out to vote.”