How do American voters view the upcoming general election, taking place on November 5? According to a recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll published by PBS, “roughly 3 in 4 American adults believe the upcoming presidential election is vital to the future of U.S. democracy, although which candidate they think poses the greater threat depends on their political leanings.”
While the presidential election is in the main spotlight, voters will also decide congressional and state legislative seats and cast their votes for local officials.
The work student journalists produce is critical. It can help educate students who are following the issues but still ineligible to vote; inform first-time voters who are still in school; and get important voting information to others in their communities who may rely on a student publication for insights and content. Reminding and informing voters what issues are at stake, and what outcomes to expect if a particular candidate wins, is ultimately more valuable to voters than tracking polls.
CSPA recently spoke with Jeffery C. Mays, the Metro Politics reporter for The New York Times, to get his advice for young reporters covering the election.
Here are his tips for student journalists:
1. Speak to as many voters as possible. It’s very easy to assume that voters might have one opinion or another, but one of the best ways to illustrate the issues in the election is to speak directly with voters. That means being on the ground and interviewing people at the supermarket, on public transportation, and at church. Meet the voters where they are.
2. Make sure you understand the issues in the election, and find qualified and fair-minded experts who can help you to explain those issues. One of the main jobs of political journalists is to identify the issues at stake. Identifying and reporting on the issues moves the conversation beyond the horse race and helps voters find the information they need to make informed decisions.
3. This should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: Challenge your personal biases. I recently attended a rally for Donald Trump. In between some chants that were racist and xenophobic, I had substantial conversations with those in attendance about why they supported the former president. You must be open to listening even if someone else’s political opinion does not align with yours. That does not mean you will not accurately report what happened, but don’t be afraid to move out of your comfort zone.
Before You Start Reporting
As you consider how to approach a story assignment, think about the people you will interview, the intended audience, and what impact your content may have. The following articles, videos, and podcasts will help you frame your thinking before you start.
“Understanding the Community’s Civic Life,” by Richard Harwood
“Why Should I Tell You?: A Guide to Less Extractive Reporting,” by Natalie Yahr
“In Philadelphia, a Radical Idea for Journalists: Talking to Human Beings,” by Chip Scanlan
“How to Cross Your Faultlines,” by Sally Lehrman
“The Danger of a Single Story,” TedGlobal 2009 by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs: On Our Minds: Election 2024 (Student Podcast)
Reporting Resources
Refer to data and rely on it to support your reporting and writing. This is a sample of data and other resources to aid you in content creation.
Federal Election Commission (campaign finance)
National Conference of State Legislatures (2024 legislative races by state and chamber/state election data)
Census.gov: Voting and Registration (historical voting data)
Knight Foundation Election Hub (general resources)
Pew Research Center: Election 2024 (voter sentiment)
Covering Elections and Voting in 2024: A Media Guide (how to cover elections)
Opensecrets.org (tracks money in U.S. politics)
Resources for Covering the 2024 Election as a Student Journalist (student press rights)
Trusting News (election kit)
Remember to keep the audience your publication serves in mind as you produce content. Keep this adage from NYU Journalism School Professor Jay Rosen in mind: “Not the odds, but the stakes.” Helping your readers navigate complex issues and clearly presenting the stance of different candidates on these issues—being careful to include historical perspective and incumbent performance—will aid them in the decision-making process.