Penn State senior Thad Kosciolek is heading home Monday. A trip home is pretty typical for a college kid, but the reason behind this trip is an outstanding one.

Kosciolek says, “Get some nice home cooking from my mom, sleep in my nice warm bet, and cast my vote Tuesday before I come back.”

Casting his vote. Thad is making a six hour round trip just to hit the polls in his hometown.

Kosciolek adds, “The youth vote tends to get cast aside and people say the youth don't vote, but I’m trying to represent my age group pretty well.”

It’s an election enthusiasm that’s affecting many young voters in our area, like Penn State freshman and first time voter Alexandra Hogan.

Hogan says, “A lot of people probably weren’t going to vote because it’s a new transition, going off to college. But it’s great here at Penn State, there are a lot of people to help you, so now I’m all registered to vote and will be voting here in the HUB.”

Voters like Alexandra are on the rise. According to the Centre County Office of Elections, the number of voters registered in Penn State's precincts are up by almost 1900. Voter numbers in student-heavy sections of State College are also on the upswing.

Brent Mosier, first time voter, says, “Even if you think you’re vote doesn’t matter, it’s still a good thing to have your voice be heard.”

It’s a sign of good things to come. Young people empowered that their vote does count.

Hogan adds, “In the next four years, whoever we decide to vote for, it will have an impact.”