The 2014 midterm elections prompted St. Thomas students to vote at one of two local polling locations Tuesday.

Many students said they believe that it’s their responsibility as U.S. citizens to know about the current issues and make informed votes, while others focused more on the specific party views.

“It’s our way that we can help change the future,” sophomore Joshua Schoettner said. “I feel like it’s important because it’s a way to give us a voice, and voting is a simple way to change the future.”

According to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, the number of young voters has decreased in the past 12 midterm elections. In the 2010 midterm elections, 49 percent of voters ages 18 to 29 participated, down from 56 percent in the 2002 elections.

Despite the falling numbers, election judge Mitchell Helle-Morrissey said voter turnout is higher than it was during last summer’s primary elections.

“It’s a lot busier than primary that was held in August,” Helle-Morrissey said. “It’s not as busy as the presidential election usually is. We’ve had a constant flow all day.”

Senior Amanda Maricle-Roberts said staying informed and voting are good habits students should start now. Maricle-Roberts said it is easy to find information about candidates.

“It just makes it a good habit for the future,” she said. “I think that students need to get out even if they’re not super informed. They make it ridiculously easy to go.”

Helle-Morrissey said students should come prepared and bring their IDs to fill out registration forms. He also said St. Thomas students should use their on-campus address when voting.

“It’s been going pretty well,” Helle-Morrissey said. “St. Thomas is a good place to have an election.”