In anticipation of the upcoming general election, Little Rock Public Radio participated in the 2024 America Amplified election reporting initiative to gather perspectives on the state of politics in Arkansas. LRPR News Director Daniel Breen embarked on a two-week road trip across the state, visiting colleges, universities, and community events to engage with voters, particularly new and young voters. The primary question posed was, “What do you like about your community?”
During the interviews, students and community members expressed pride in their communities and highlighted issues such as the economy, reproductive health, education, and government transparency. Many students voiced disappointment about not being able to vote on legalizing abortion, while others expressed optimism about potential historical milestones, such as the possibility of a female president. Economic concerns were also prevalent, with students calling for more accountability in how tax dollars are spent and advocating for less money in politics.
Overall, the conversations revealed a focus on quality-of-life issues at the community level, with many participants emphasizing the importance of local initiatives and government transparency. The diverse range of perspectives reflected a young electorate engaged in political discussions and eager to make a difference in their communities. This initiative provided valuable insights into the priorities and concerns of Arkansas voters leading up to the election.
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Photo credit www.ualrpublicradio.org
