Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Jon Ossoff Rally AUC Voters to the Polls at “United for Georgia” Event
“Don’t ever let anybody take your power from you,” said former Vice President Kamala Harris to a crowd of enthusiastic young minds across the Atlanta University Center. On Thursday, October 29, 2026, Kamala Harris alongside Senator Jon Ossoff stopped by Clark Atlanta University for a brief “United for Georgia” rally. The pair encouraged voters across the Atlanta University Center to be excited about having their voice heard- informing them of the importance of the upcoming election.
As recent election results continue to roll in, statistics show that Gen Z turnout could be pivotal in this year's midterms. This year, there are approximately 50 million people aged 18-29 who are eligible to vote in November, with a recent survey from the Alliance for Youth Power PAC and YouGov reporting that 80% of this demographic “probably” or “definitely” plan to vote. With young voters being so influential, college campuses have become especially important for political engagement such as the “United for Georgia” rally.
During the event, the former Vice President endorsed Senator Jon Ossoff, who is currently up for reelection on the midterm ballot as the Democratic Senator for Georgia. During his speech, Ossoff criticized the Trump Administration while acknowledging the significance of voters in Atlanta saying “But how foolish [is] that? To come to the cradle of the civil rights movement to launch an attack on voting rights?”Harris encouraged students to vote “up and down the ballot,” highlighting the importance of understanding the local elections that affect their everyday lives. The former VP spoke on the cutting of SNAP benefits, healthcare, Department of Education funding and more.
Historically, the AUC has served as a prominent location for political reform and voters' rights. Home to the Atlanta Student Movement, activism has been deeply integrated into the lives of AUC students since the creation of the movement in the 1960s. Decades later, the movement has been re-birthed through several recent protests and organizing efforts, notably including the March to the Polls event this past Wednesday.
On this generation’s mobilization, Harris told The Panther’s Lifestyle Editor Emily Cain, “Your votes are going to be so important to this election; your generation will be pivotal to the future of our country. Be sure to vote.”
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