Today: Mar 28, 2024

Students are unaware of local elections

Jene ThomasGeneral Assignment Reporter 

The 2014 election for Governor in the state of Connecticut is scheduled to take place on Nov. 4.

The election primaries took place on Aug. 12, resulting in Thomas “Tom” Foley as the Republican candidate for governor after defeating nominee, John McKinney. Foley is set to run against Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in the race for governor.

This is not the first time the two have run against each other. In 2010, the rivals were in the Governor’s race together, although it was Malloy who was victorious, taking over 6,400 votes from Foley.

It is the American citizen’s right and responsibility to vote once reaching the age of 18 and yet, many college students, 18 years and older, are oblivious to who is running. In fact, they are completely unaware of the fact that this is an election year.

Walking around the campus of Southern Connecticut State University to ask students if they were voting in November, the answer was all the same. No! After realizing that many students did not even know it was an election year, it seemed clear that they were either unaware or uninterested.

When asked whom she was voting for, Emily Moscatello, 19 said, “ I have no idea.” It was assumed that she just could not decide which candidate was the better choice.

“Wait what election? The one for President?” Moscatello added.

Many of the students at Southern are unaware of the elections occurring right in their own back yards. Not all though.

Although she could not recall the names of the candidates on the spot, Asia Smith, 20, was more than aware of the election. “Voting is important,” Smith said.

And it is.

College students have a huge voice and need to share it. In order to vote though, students need to know who to vote for.

In 2013, Malloy instituted strict gun laws in response to the Sandy Hook shooting. The laws forbid the sales of assault rifles, magazines consisting of 10 or more rounds of ammunition and the sale of a firearm to any person who had not gone through a background check.

This is not a promotional ad for the Malloy campaign. This is a campaign to the college community to make changes to the community. Students could help change the community by voting.

Southern has Student Government Association. Our student body votes for a school office position and helps bring change to the college community. It is time to take it a step further. Bring that change from the New Haven/Hamden town line to the rest of Connecticut.

This is the time where young people are most encouraged to get out and vote.

Perhaps the school could encourage this. Political science professors and student leaders could come together to sponsor and host events. Debate viewing parties, school wide debates, pamphlets on each candidate are only a few option to get the word out.

Elections are too important to take for granted. Can’t complain about the government if one does not take part in electing government officials.

Photo Credit: Theresa Thompson

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