NORCROSS, Ga. — Watch our Voice of the Voter segment during The Georgia Vote Sundays at 11 a.m. on 11Alive.
With so much happening in the world of politics, it’s easy to lose track of the voters who will ultimately decide what happens in the November election. But 11Alive’s political team is working to make sure everyday Georgians are at the center of the conversation.
Meet Bryan Nguyen, recent high school graduate from Gwinnett County
Despite all the turmoil of the 2024 election, the 18-year-old said he remains optimistic about the state of American politics.
“I think that we can still make an impact,” said Nguyen. "I think that we can still set things right."
The recent grad and soon-to-be first-time voter is grateful he gets to cast a ballot this year.
“I’m glad that this is the first election I can vote in," said Nguyen. "Since so many things are stake, at least now my voice can be heard.”
Nguyen graduated from the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology this year and says he’s headed to Stanford in the fall.
While he waits for the school year to begin, he says he’s spent time volunteering at the Catholic church this summer, which has become an important part of his life.
“Especially growing up in America but from Vietnamese immigrants, my church is like a community of other Vietnamese people that I can connect with,” said Nguyen.
As he surveys the state of the presidential race now, the first-time voter adds that he hopes a new crop of younger candidates appears in future national elections. Many of his peers, he says, feel the same way.
“I think that’s a voice that a lot of people express,” said Nguyen.
Issues he cares about
With so much happening in the world, Nguyen said he’s thinking through a lot of issues this election season.
“I think there’s a lot of things that we should care about, from climate justice to gun safety to LGBTQ+ rights to reproductive freedoms,” he said.
11Alive interviewed Nguyen before the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump. In a follow-up conversation, Nguyen said firearm safety regulation has become even more important to him.
But his chief issue remains "combating climate change."
“I care about sustainability, about making sure there's enough resources on this planet for my generation,” he said. “And also providing for future generations too.”
His biggest worry
According to Nguyen, he’s most concerned about potential restrictions to currently protected rights.
“We’ve already seen it happening from the overturn of Roe v. Wade,” he said. “I think this presidential election is pretty serious because if it goes one way, then we could lose a lot.”
What he’s optimistic about
The 18-year-old says he’s paid close attention to politics for years. Now, finally, he gets to cast his own ballot.
“People don’t realize how big of an impact their voice has on everyone around them,” said Nguyen.
Watch Nguyen's interview below: