by Talina Sepulveda
“Just as the social activists rightly claimed in the 1960s ‘the personal is political’, whether you are political or not, politics is going to have an impact on your life in some form or another,” says history instructor Eric Elliot.
We are often inundated with national politics and the presidential race, leading many to believe Election Day is solely about voting for the president. While this is important, local and state governments have an even greater impact on our daily lives. This focus on national issues can make voters feel their votes don’t matter, causing many to abstain from voting.
However, there are crucial races for local, county, and state offices, as well as ballot measures that directly affect us. Voters need to understand that these local and state races can be just as significant, if not more so, than national elections.
In a democracy like the United States, our vote is our voice, and that voice is our power.
Voting is more imperative now than ever. We, as the younger generation, are so lucky compared to those before us during times like this. We have access to this magical thing called the internet, with information on every topic with every source you can imagine. We have this privilege of knowledge right at our fingertips and a curious hunger for information. It is our right and duty as American citizens to use our voices and the knowledge we have such easy access to decide the course of our country, our home.
There are a couple of ways to vote in Iowa, in person or by mail, and on election day at the polls. If you vote early, you go down to the county auditor's office where you are registered to vote. Voting by mail is my personal preference as a homebody. I filled out an online request for the ballot to be sent to me. Following the instructions is crucial and once that was finished, I mailed it out of the mail room. The third option is to go down to the polls on election day and cast your vote. The thing that made me apprehensive about voting in the first place was not knowing how to register to vote. Any .gov website is a trusted site. Depending on where you want to register. To register in your home state visit (state).gov
Graceland University is a mixing pot of diversity, so even if you can’t vote in the U.S. just know your voices are still heard.
When asked about her opinion on the voting process in the U.S., Puerto Rican National Andrea Bruno said, “I don't like that it often takes backlash or criticism for certain groups to be approached or engaged in the voting process. It seems that only when there’s negative feedback do decision-makers pay attention to these groups and encourage them to vote. This shouldn't be the case; we should prioritize inclusive outreach and engagement without needing a crisis to spark action.”
With all that is at stake, we have to fight for what we believe in.
Junior Breeanna Greer says, “I will be voting because I would like to not only keep my rights but have my rights. I want to be considered my own person and be able to make my own decisions I also want the ones I care about to have rights too.”
You must educate yourselves thoroughly before casting your vote. A lot of the time young people tend to aim all their attention at the presidential candidates, but state representatives also play a big part in our futures, as the next generation to oversee how our country is run. Here is an overview of who will be on the Iowan ballot for 2024:
Republican Candidates:
Zach Nunn (IA-3): The incumbent is running for re-election, focusing on national security, economic growth, and agricultural support.
Ashley Hinson (IA-1): The incumbent seeks another term, emphasizing her record on agriculture, workforce development, and tax reform.
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-2): The incumbent is campaigning on healthcare, veterans’ issues, and education.
Bobby Schilling (IA-2): A former congressman, he is also running, promoting conservative values and economic development.
Democratic Candidates:
Cindy Axne (IA-3): The incumbent is seeking re-election, focusing on healthcare access, environmental protection, and small business support.
Mike Franken (IA-4): A former Senate candidate, he is now running for the House, advocating for progressive policies.
Lanon Baccan (IA-3): A newcomer, he emphasizes progressive issues like healthcare, climate change, and social justice.
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