Young voters watching the vice presidential debate are eager to learn about views on abortion and immigration, but most importantly, they want to vote

Abortion and immigration were among the top topics for Northwestern University students who gathered on campus Tuesday night to watch the vice presidential debate between Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.

About 30 students, many of whom will be voting in the presidential election for the first time in November, packed the Communication Residential College auditorium to hear the candidates speak and discuss the debate.

Students sat in the waiting room and listened silently as the debate began with a question about Iran’s recent attack on Israel.

They remained stoic – until the issue of climate change came up. There was a loud chuckle among the students when Vance said “let’s just say it’s true” as part of his argument that greenhouse gas emissions cause climate change.

That was one of the issues 19-year-old Timmy Woodward hoped both candidates would solve. The others are abortion and immigration.

“I think these are the most urgent issues, at least the most divisive ones in the country right now,” the first-year theater student said before the debate. “I think the difficult conversations are the ones we need to have.”

The debate, broadcast live from New York, was moderated by CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan, host of “Face the Nation.” The network said moderators would focus on steering the discussion rather than fact-checking.

Woodward, who lives in the swing state of Pennsylvania, is excited to cast his first vote for president in this election.

“I think this is a very important decision. I’m lucky to be able to vote in such a crucial election and that my vote really counts,” Woodward said.

Ahead of the debate, Hattie Saal, who will also vote in the presidential election next month for the first time, said she hoped to hear Walz spar with Vance on the issue of abortion.

“I doubt whether J.D. Vance will be able to sustain an important conversation about the importance of abortion and bodily autonomy,” she said. “I’m curious to see how Tim Walz will present this issue.”

Saal, 18, from New York and majoring in social sciences and law, was also looking forward to casting her first vote for president in November.

“My parents always taught me the importance of active citizenship. When I was little, they took me with them to vote,” said the freshman. “It’s incredibly exciting to finally have this opportunity.”

August Martone, 18, of Maryland, said he hoped Vance would clarify his position on gay marriage. Martone said this was important to him because his mother was unable to marry the woman she loved until same-sex marriage was legalized in his home state in 2013.

“Things like being able to keep my family together have always been very important to me, and that’s one thing I’d like to do in the future,” he said. “I haven’t heard much from Vance. And what I heard was kind of bullshit. Therefore, I would like to hear his specific position on this matter.”

Like his classmates, this November radio, television and film graduate was eager to help make history.

“I was looking forward to this opportunity to really have my voice heard,” he said.