Leah Gorence ’28
Staff Writer
With the election less than two weeks away, voting is a critical conversation happening around the country. But from talking to acquaintances and overhearing conversations around campus, I’ve heard several people express that they weren’t going to vote. This is baffling to me. To me, it is a privilege to live in a democracy. Voting is the most important way to participate in the governance of this country. Although our democracy is flawed, it is still important to exercise your right to vote.
It’s also important to keep in mind the unique position that we have as college students. Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in the U.S., so a lack of votes from young people also means that people of color are less likely to have their perspectives taken into account. If you don’t use your voice, there is always someone happy to speak for you. The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University found that in the 2020 election, there was an 8 percent increase in voter turnout compared to 2016, with young people contributing a larger percentage of overall votes in the election. If youth voter turnout remains strong, we can hope to see politicians paying more attention to young people as a political force.
There are many reasons people do not want to vote, from a dislike of the candidates or an apathy towards the voting system in the United States. In this article, I aim to respond to some anti-voting sentiments that I’ve heard around The Claremont Colleges and offer a different perspective. As the election looms around the corner, it’s time to consider what is important to us and what we are willing to fight to protect.
“I don’t want to vote because they both suck” – It is totally valid to dislike both of the presidential candidates. Within a two-party system, it can feel like you are stuck choosing between two candidates you don’t like. But even if you feel that both the candidates are deficient, you still should weigh the candidates and decide the lesser of two evils. Boycotting an election isn’t an option – at the end of the day, one of those two candidates will likely win.
Your vote on other races and propositions matters just as much as the presidential election. In light of the looming climate crisis, we don’t have four years to lose. A New York Times analysis of studies done by Harvard Law School and Columbia Law School found that when Donald Trump was president, he rolled back more than 100 policies aimed at protecting the environment. Issues like affordable housing, climate change, abortion, healthcare, and gun control are on the line. Voter turnout matters and is a reflection of what is important to people.
“I’m not going to vote because it doesn’t matter – California isn’t a swing state anyway” – You’re right. Your vote in the presidential election doesn’t have as much sway as it would if you lived in a swing state. But propositions on new laws, judges, and local races on your ballot are very important. For example, in California, Proposition 36, also known as The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, will increase penalties for certain theft and drug offenses if passed.
“I’m not voting because neither of the candidates support Palestine” – This is very controversial, and my goal is to respect everyone’s perspective. But I will say that in regard to Palestine, not voting as a form of protest doesn’t serve anybody well. There are other ways to protest that more powerfully amplify your voice. Withholding your vote just leaves out your perspective on pressing domestic issues and your thoughts on how taxpayer money should be spent.
So vote! Just vote. Check your voter registration status, decide how and when you will vote, and research what will be on your ballot. Then get out and let your voice be heard. Casting a vote sends a message for change and hope.
