On a yearly basis the college-age demographic is encouraged to register to vote by everyone from MTV’s Rock the Vote campaign to individual universities. As elections approach in November some students may feel apathetic toward their civic duty while others take pride in voting feeling that it fulfills their role in society. First-year students freshly turned 18 may never have had the opportunity to participate until this year. The Graphic staff firmly believes due to crucial propositions and the potential for new representatives that this year’s elections require the 18- to 22-year-old voice to be heard.
Midterm elections might seem unimportant especially considering the overwhelming drama of the 2008 presidential election that captured the attention of young voters nationwide. However interest in politics should not diminish simply because this is not a presidential election.
The upcoming Nov. 2 election determines the entire House of Representatives 33 to 34 seats of the Senate and for California and other states a new governor. Voters will also decide the fate of various legislation. It is no exaggeration to say the results of this election may depending on one’s political alignment check the victory or loss that took place two years ago.
For those who support a political party or intend to register with one this year participation in this election is crucial to maintain or regain that party’s influence. While the Democratic Party enjoys control of Congress and the presidency that may not be true for long. Some speculate liberals have grown comfortable with a Democrat holding presidential office and are subsequently less likely to vote in midterm elections. Conversely Republicans are rallying their party in hopes of establishing a conservative majority in Congress to check the executive branch. Therefore registering with a party and voting is in the best interest of both donkeys and elephants… and you know everyone else in between who pays taxes.
If you have employment experience then you have— hopefully— paid taxes. Voting in this midterm election gives you the opportunity to take a stand on propositions that determine what your tax money will go toward. Proposition 26 requires just that. With its passage voters would need to give permission before the state of California can impose any new taxes. Isn’t that worth throwing in your two cents? Pun intended.
A few other notable California propositions include Prop 19 and Prop 23. Prop 19 deals with the legalization of marijuana. If passed Prop 23 would suspend implementation of the Air Pollution Control Law until the state unemployment rate drops below 5.5 percent for one year. As marijuana legalization and the environment spur heated debates among the college crowd it would be hypocritical not to act when one’s position on either matter actually counts.
Prop 20 calls for the redrawing of congressional district lines potentially influencing future elections— pivotal if aforementioned party loyalty is of any concern. Redistricting may change the majority party in a district challenging standing incumbents. Local politics may not frequently crop up in Caf discussions but those same representatives make up the greater “Congress” that is criticized or rewarded for federal legislation. Now that does make the news.
So register to vote while you still can. The stakes in this election while not presidential are still high. The control of Congress could change and the occupant of the governor’s mansion definitely will. Further voters could gain the power to both prevent all further tax hikes and use marijuana legally. Even the way in which votes are counted could change with redistricting. With all that on the ballot why not vote?