Huntington Times

Award-winning podcaster Trey Kay is bringing his program “Us & Them” to Marshall University next month for a discussion with students and young voters about the upcoming election. The event, titled “What Is (or Isn’t) Motivating Young Voters in 2024?” is scheduled for 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 4, in Marshall’s Drinko Library Atrium. Kay will host two members of Marshall’s political science faculty, Dr. Marybeth Beller and Dr. Shawn Schulenberg, before opening the conversation to the audience.

Kay emphasized that while the “Us & Them” team aims to gain insights from Beller and Schulenberg, he is particularly interested in hearing from students about this election season. He questioned what issues are on the minds of Marshall University students and high school students during this critical time. He also queried how they perceive their influence amid recent dramatic developments like the assassination attempt on former President Trump and President Biden dropping out of the race.

This event is free and open to the public, with a discussion followed by a Q&A segment that will be taped for a future podcast episode.

The event is co-sponsored by Marshall University’s W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications, the West Virginia Humanities Council, and West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

“Trust is in short supply in America these days,” Kay stated. “Across the board and across the political spectrum, people seem to lack trust in our government, in many of our agencies and organizations — even in each other.” He noted that waning trust has undermined confidence in elections and expressed a desire to understand how young voters feel as they consider participating this year.

Dr. Marybeth Beller highlighted the importance of understanding why young adults engage in politics: “Policies from the cost and availability of health care and education to transportation affect young adults directly,” she said.

Dr. Shawn Schulenberg commented on youth disempowerment: “The political class doesn’t look like them,” he said, adding that younger generations prioritize issues such as social justice and sustainability but feel neglected by politicians.

In October 2023, Trey Kay hosted an event at Marshall focusing on public trust in scientific information. His team also held a similar event at WVU regarding diminished trust in journalism.

The recording at Marshall is part of an ongoing series focused on diminished trust in America. Future events are planned with various institutions including West Virginia University.

While attendance is free, registration is recommended for planning purposes.