As November approaches, another election follows close behind. After the political explosion in the nation over the past six years, a majority of people are tired of it consuming their lives.
With that being said, the demographic of Snow is represented by individuals facing the first election in which they can cast a ballot. And with the extreme bias of today’s mainstream media, as well as the tension between the two major political parties, the idea of voting can be overwhelming.
To get a general idea of the feelings towards voting and the government on campus, select students were asked three questions. The first question asked was; Do you believe your vote matters?
These were their answers. Giovanni Botta, “No, I don't think my vote matters.”
Tally Reynolds, “I feel like the importance of my vote is dependent on what I’m voting for. I feel like my vote has more meaning in local elections, but when it comes to national level elections, I don’t think it does.”
Bodrey Allred, “I believe the thought of my vote mattering is what matters. I think there are some flaws in our elections, but I still believe my vote does matter even if it only matters to me.”
The second question, What do you appreciate about our government?
Botta, “I appreciate the checks and balances that are built into the three branches of government.”
Reynolds, “Welfare and Stimulus are something I really appreciate. I’m glad our Government offers something for its people to fall back on.”
Allred, “I appreciate the division of power offered by the check and balances. So no one person or party ever has all the say.”
The final question they were asked was, What problems do you have with the Government?
Botta, “The clear abuse of power and the blatant deception used against the American people.”
Reynolds, “The fact the country is run by a bunch of old white people. I feel like our leaders should be more diverse and in touch with the current world.”
Allred, “I have issues with the lack of openness we have from our government, and the information they choose to keep from us. I feel they try to hide everything and play cover up way too often, so they always turn out to be the good guys.”
From the small sample size, the feeling toward the government is more negative, and votes(especially on a national level) are almost meaningless.
In order to clear up confusion, Dr. Wes Jamison, political science professor, was interviewed. When asked, should politics be as important and mainstream as they have become in recent years, he responded, “Yes of course they should matter. And the reason why they should matter, the views have become more and more extreme. We are on the precipice of what feels like World War III.” Politicians have always and will always say absurd things. With politics stepping into the limelight, the public can now make their own judgements and opinions.
To help the new generation of voters, Jamison was asked; Should we vote or is it even worth it? “I think voting is one option. I think we need to vote because it is an option, but it shouldn’t stop there. If you really feel passionate, do more than vote. Go out and protest. Make a scene. Contact your local representative. Get things done.” Whatever your feelings might be, the first amendment of The Constitution guarantees the right to make change.
When compared to the masses, a single vote is nearly non-existent. However, it is the singular votes that make up the masses. The basis of the democratic republic of The United States of America, is a government for the people by the people.
Under the laws of elections, every registered voter is completely equal, regardless of social class, race, religion, and gender. There is not a single individual who is worth more than anyone else, everyone is worth one vote. Through these facts, every person eligible to vote, holds the power to fix the issues of the present and improve the quality of life for the future.