Mollova aligns herself with the Republican values that she learned about during her high school history classes, including a focus on internal affairs, a strong economy and a defensive homeland security. However, she agrees with certain current Democratic values, like pro-choice laws and firearm restrictions.
“I do support the Democratic stance on gun laws and pro choice laws. I support all of the statistics and facts where women should have the ability to have abortions. It’s much safer and healthier for them,” Mollova said. “[Abortion’s] that one policy that I might have to give up… just because there’s other [Democratic] policies that I don’t really agree with. There’s not enough to make me switch over. “
Mollova, who registered to vote earlier this year, said she was not drawn to the Republican party because of a particular candidate, but because she does not support the Biden administration, especially its handling of the U.S. border or its support of Israel.
“I don’t think the current U.S. intervention within the Middle East and Gaza is… something I really favor right now,” Mollova said, noting that she feels as if aid should be turned toward U.S. citizens in need. “I would rather vote for the other party… at least they won’t get involved. They won’t be harming the situation more.”
While young women like Sorbat and Mollova don’t feel connected to every facet of Trump’s platform, some female voters, like West Chester, Pa. native Julia Sadik, staunchly support the GOP candidate.
“I definitely vote pro-life first,” Sadik said. “Trump does not support late-term abortion, and so I will always vote for whoever’s the most conservative when it comes to being pro-life.”
After graduating from Cedarville University in 2023, where she was involved in the school’s Students for Life chapter, Sadik became the Pennsylvania Regional Coordinator for the organization.
“Life is valuable,” she said. “If we’re pronounced dead when our heart stops, why are we not pronounced alive when our hearts begin beating?”
Along with abortion, Sadik is anxious about sex education in classrooms, believing that elementary and middle school students are taught about “birth control and abortion” at too young of an age.
“The left is trying to push Planned Parenthood’s sex education into middle schools,” she said. “We now have children’s books that are all about sex, and it’s like, we do not need to be exposing three-year-old toddlers to this crud, you know?”
Although they differ in their beliefs, all three voters are united on one front: excitement.
“I’m very excited, especially because I’m in a swing state,” Sorbat said. “I’m really hoping to turn Pennsylvania red.”
Mollova said that although she is eager to vote in her first election, she believes that young people need to bring their excitement to every election they will have the opportunity to vote in.
“I feel excited and interested to help within the general elections, but I also think that there should be more emphasis and focus on other elections happening, whether it’s local, state, or federal,” Mollova said. “I think the youth needs to become more familiarized and excited.”
