The Importance of Voting in College

Written by Lauren HartmanPhotography by Tori TisoOn November 6, about 40% of the United States population will head to the polls to cast their votes in midterm elections -- in which officials such as governors, state treasurers, U.S. Senators, and Representatives in Congress, among others, are elected -- that occur halfway through the sitting president’s term. Much of the general public doesn’t care about midterm elections as much as presidential ones, as evidenced by the significant drop in voter turnout rates -- 40% in comparison to 60%, respectively.  Why are midterm elections important?  The candidates we elect during midterms will have wide-sweeping influence over many areas of government, whether they are serving at the federal, state, or local level. These areas may include but are certainly not limited to: education, healthcare, the environment, national defense, immigration, women’s rights, taxes, LGBTQ rights, and gerrymandering.  Previous midterm elections can be cited as catalysts for extreme political change. In 1810, when the rise of the Jeffersonian Republicans gained power, effectively leading to the War of 1812; in 1866, when Radical Republicans gained the seats necessary to implement widespread Reconstruction policies after the Civil War; in 1938, when Democrats lost their powerful majority in Congress, resulting in the rise of a cross-party Conservative Coalition that dominated Congress for the next 25 years; and, of course, 2010, when Republicans achieved sweeping gains, enabling them to bring new and more conservative policies to Washington while ultimately paving the way for the rise of Trump. Midterm elections matter. I’m a college student. I’m busy with exams, and I don’t understand every office and candidate that will be on my ballot. Do I really need to vote?  Only 56% of the voting-age population voted in 2016, and that group did not demographically represent all (or even most) Americans; instead, the typical voter was white, over the age of 65, college-educated, and had an income of at least $50,000/year. In short, many young people don’t take advantage of the opportunity to influence what happens in our government and, consequently, in the policies that impact our everyday lives. Imagine what changes we would create if we voted with the same consistency of older Americans! Your vote matters.   What offices are up for grabs? In Wisconsin, voters will be electing Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, U.S. Senator, Representative in Congress, State Senator (odd-numbered districts), and Representatives to the Assembly (all districts). County offices up for election are Sheriff, Clerk of Circuit Court, and Coroner (where applicable).  Alright, you’ve convinced me. What do I do now? To find your polling place, click here.To find out what will be on your ballot, click here.Most importantly, encourage your friends and family to vote! With every election, we shape the future of our country. I’m not okay with sitting this one out. Are you?