WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The final countdown to North Carolina’s Primary Election is on, and Democratic candidates are making their last push for support.

• On Thursday, Bernie Sanders visited Winston-Salem State University
• Associate Professor of Justice Studies Jack Monell believes this shows the importance of young, African-American voters
• Monell said he hopes candidates in the future take the time to visit HBCUs because he sees a change in the way college-age students vote and believes their support is vital in elections

On Thursday, Bernie Sanders visited Winston-Salem State University. Associate Professor of Justice Studies Jack Monell believes this shows the importance of young, African-American voters.

“Quite frankly, we have a large demographic of voters that ultimately will or will not support you if we feel that the needs that make our institutions great are to being adhered to,” Monell said.

Sanders previously visited Bennett College in Greensboro. Monell said he hopes candidates in the future take the time to visit HBCUs because he sees a change in the way college-age students vote and believes their support is vital in elections.

“Many young people would typically vote as their parents voted, just by kind of generational influence. What you see now, particularly because of social media and the internet and resources, they are doing their homework,” says Monell.

With the rally so close to election day, it also had the chance to motivate and excite voters at the last minute.

“You support a candidate who ultimately who has, who conveys some interest towards your community, towards your institution and then that candidate actually visits your campus,” Monell said.