IRVINE, Calif. — With just over three weeks remaining until the midterm elections, two former NASA astronauts, Steve Smith and Danny Olivas, visited UC Irvine to encourage young people to engage in the electoral process.
Smith and Olivas, both of whom have spent time in space, are currently touring colleges to speak with students about the significance of casting a ballot. Their visit to UC Irvine drew hundreds of students.
The pair represent Astronauts for America, a program that highlights the importance of voting at a time when political divisions are a prominent national discussion. In the 2024 election, voter participation among eligible individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 was less than 50%.
Smith shared observations from his four times in orbit, noting, “When you look at the earth from space, there are no lines between the states, there’s no lines between the country.” He emphasized a shared humanity, stating that from space, one does not see “any of the infighting or conflict.”
He encouraged students to maintain open-mindedness and civility, advocating for the respectful use of their voices. Smith expressed hope that active participation in voting would help the country return to what he described as “calm periods” experienced throughout its history.
The context of national division was further underscored by a recent poll from NPR, which found that more than 80% of Americans consider political and national divides a serious threat to U.S. democracy.
Olivas reminded the young audience that while individuals hold various partisan affiliations—as Republicans, Democrats, or independents—they are fundamentally Americans. He stressed the importance of young people exercising their right to vote, viewing it as essential for freedom to support causes, challenge authority, speak their minds, and ultimately have their voices heard by the electorate.
Among the students present was 19-year-old UCI student Aliah Mulumba, who voiced optimism that her generation could contribute to national unity. Mulumba described the current situation as “a little bit overwhelming,” but also found relief in the belief that her generation possesses the capacity to enact change and reduce conflict.
Smith and Olivas hope their message of civic engagement and unity resonates not only with students in California but across the entire country. They drew parallels to the collaborative efforts required of NASA astronauts to complete missions, regardless of personal differences, presenting it as a model for society to work together for larger objectives.
