College students have to use "every tool in your toolbox" to encourage their peers to get out and vote, according to Congressman Maxwell Frost, the U.S. representative of Florida's 10th congressional district.
Frost conveyed this message when he spoke at a "Sun Devils for Harris" event in Tempe on Wednesday to promote the Democratic party campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
"I was inspired to hear Frost talking about organizing," Grace Cypert, a junior studying sustainability, said. "I think that his message about organizing students around you in everyday life will transfer over to everyone who heard it today."
Frost spoke along with Keep AZ Blue co-founder Francesca Martin and Armonee Jackson, President of Young Democrats of Arizona and an ASU alumni.
The representative was also joined by Isabel Hiserodt, a senior studying public policy, who acts as a role model for young voters at ASU, being the president of Young Democrats at the University.
The event attracted members from the ASU Young Democrats and other students from the University.
Isaac Young, a junior studying psychology, likes that "a part of the younger generation (who will) help spread motivation and encourage young ASU students to get out and vote and make a change."
Frost, the 27-year-old representative, is the first member of Generation Z elected into Congress, the same generation the students present at the event.
"Hearing somebody that young that's making that impact made me feel like there was a level of connection," Mikayla Towns, a graduate student studying law, said.
According to Frost, to not only win the election, but to defeat former President Donald Trump as well, they "must win Arizona, and we will win Arizona."
READ MORE: Voters attend the Harris-Walz rally in AZ, share insight Into Gen Z's role this election
Connor Gentry, a sophomore studying political science, believes that Generation Z's vote could push a win for the Democratic Party in Arizona, a battleground state.
Gentry said that being able to increase young voter turnout will be crucial in getting Harris "over the finish line."
Frost, along with the other Democratic advocates, addressed key points such as the climate crisis, abortion and gun safety.
The event had live music and a turnout of about 50 attendees, creating a tuneful, casual venue for the young voters of Arizona to bond and connect. After speaking, Frost took an offer from the lead singer to play a set on the drums.
"My entire life, I wanted to play the drums then something wrong happened to me and I got into politics," Frost said with a laugh.
Frost's original dream was to perform music, surfacing in elementary school when his father gifted him a drum set. His musical talents bled into high school, where he became a "skilled percussionist," according to his website.
"I'll drum if everybody here signs up for a shift," said Frost, advocating for voter canvassing.
Frost is currently on the road to conclude his five-day tour of campaigning among universities in key states. The Harris-Walz team's "Back-to-School" campaign included universities in North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Arizona.
"This is my first day in Arizona ever," said Frost. "I just saw my first cactus."
Frost dressed casually, as if he was a fellow student, sporting a graphic T-shirt with the phrase, "Read Banned Books," to further connect with young voters' activism against censorship.
The Young Democrats of ASU have been hosting events up until election day, such as canvassing and workshops.
"This is my first event with the Young Dems, and I am very excited to be here because I know it's going to be a big motivation for the youth here," said Young, an attendee.
Frost said young Democratic voters need to take the energy being posted on TikTok about the Harris-Walz Campaign and "translate it into organizing and action."
Edited by George Headley, Abigail Beck and Natalia Jarrett
Reach the reporters at ehprest1@asu.edu and imflore4@asu.edu.
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Ellis is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication. This is her first semester with The State Press. She has also worked at Arizona PBS and Blaze Radio.
