To create a space for students to gather and discuss the high-stakes presidential election and key ballot measures, the Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) hosted an election night watch party on Tuesday with live coverage of the 2024 general election. The event provided information about the race for the presidency, control of the U.S. House and Senate and California ballot measures.
The event was designed to enable students to be more engaged and informed voters. It consisted of a variety of activities, such as political bingo with prizes, political trivia, a moderated discussion and anti-anxiety breaks.
Christine Trost, the executive director of IGS and Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service, oversaw the event.
“The IGS is deeply involved in providing educational events like this,” she said. “It’s important to provide a space for students to come together to experience these pivotal moments in American democracy. We learn together and are in community together for this momentous occasion.”
At the start of the event, many states were too close to call in the presidential race. The results would come down to seven key battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. As votes were counted, students and speakers at the watch party discussed results in those closely-fought swing states.
To help students understand the implications of the election results issues better, the watch party held an open discussion moderated by political science graduate students John Konicki, Pia Deshpande and Matty Easton. Students discussed specific topics such as the implications of having a female president, the importance of local elections and political polarization.
“I came to this event because I thought it would be a good way to make sense of the election results and talk with other students about what’s happening,” said Michaela Baak, a UC Berkeley sophomore. “As a Palestinian, it was hard for me to vote for Kamala. However, I voted for her because I’m very concerned about issues like reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights and climate change.”
Students spent the evening discussing election issues, such as the war in Gaza, both through the moderated panel and amongst themselves. Students also expressed concern about issues such as the job market, healthcare, climate change and project 2025. Many at the event felt that the stakes for the election were incredibly high.
“This election is so close and the country is so divided,” said Trost. “For that reason, this has become a pivotal election.”
However, the presidential race wasn’t the only issue covered at the watch party. Students also discussed results for the House and Senate, which will play a major role in implementing, or inhibiting, the next president’s agenda. Important California ballot measures, such as Proposition 32, 36 and 33, were also reviewed as results came in.
Students at the Institute of Governmental Studies election night watch party talked through all of these subjects and more, with speakers helping to guide the discussion and provide critical information. The election process can be confusing, but events such as this, hosted through the Institute of Governmental Studies, provided resources for students who wanted to learn more and get involved.
By the end of the event, several key results came in, with Trump likely winning Georgia and North Carolina. Trump won the presidency after the event was over.