Students and people in general, need to question people of authority, not a simple challenge, but an informed and rigorous examination of authority figures such as Congressmen, Senators, and the President.
But why should candidates care about the student’s vote? Specifically, why would a candidate care about a college student’s vote?
Students of LBCC make up a demographic that candidates seek.
A large population of Latino students under 30 who are on their journey to higher education.
Students who plan on voting shouldn’t be so quick to go casting their ballot.
Tuft’s polling has shown that despite a steady growth since 2014, voters under 30 are an untapped reservoir that needs mobilizing.
Younger millennials and Gen-Z are more likely to be disillusioned with the democratic process than most voters, but why is that?
Recent world events might have also shaped the loss of confidence in American Democracy.
A global pandemic, war in Ukraine, war in Gaza, and a questionable extraction of U.S. military from Afghanistan after almost two decades of warfare.
To many Americans it seems like the U.S. government is fighting too much internationally without addressing their own concerns.
If the government can funnel massive amounts of capital into aiding their overseas allies then why can’t it ensure a better quality of life for its citizens?
Populist figures like former president Donald Trump attracted a young voter base, in particular young white men who sought answers in a world that was rapidly changing.
Biden during his presidential campaign promised a “return to normalcy” which appealed to voters worried about living under another term of Trump.
However this time around Biden as a candidate was met with very little enthusiasm from Democrats and even was met with calls to step aside after his first term.
Once Kamala had taken over the presidential race for the Democrats she saw a surge of popular support among young people.
A fire trail of media campaigns with the advent of “Brat” summer and celebrity endorsement.
Most notably Taylor Swift and Beyonce who endorsed Harris and Walz following the presidential debates.
The presidential race has become the ultimate symbol of American media, celebrity endorsements, flashy headlines, and bright smiles.
Ignoring the glitz and glamor of politics, government officials have policies that have tangible effects on people that are not so glamorous.
Californians should know that the state lives under the legacy of Reagan. Upon his re-election as Governor, Reagan cut funding of public universities by 20% and continued to defund education across the board into his presidency.
Reagan was another one of those former actors in politics who appealed to many on the sole basis of his charisma but not his actual policy.
Voting can be effective, democracy can work, but it needs motivated eligible voters.
Everyone can take time out of their day to become a little bit more informed as a voter by researching specific ballots and the people supporting the ballot to see if it aligns with their values.
Online resources such as CA.gov and House.gov can help voters contact a representative of their district or state.
People that might be nervous to call their representative shouldn’t be, it’s a part of their job and if they represent the people they need to hear the people.
If a representative ignores the people they represent, then more people should make a mass effort to get their attention.
Whether that is in the form of a peaceful protest outside of their office or flooding their contact channels.
But it’s the precious resource of time, to travel and in organizing a movement within the L.A. area owing to its size that remains an obstacle.
But people still find time to protest and strike, a necessary part of Democracy the working class participates in.
California law guarantees that workers can receive paid time off to vote in an election.
Voting and protesting makes a difference in that it’s making your voice heard, especially if policies are hurting one’s own community.
2020 had the biggest voter turnout in over a century, many with a demand of a “return to normalcy.”
The people were motivated, change would happen.
The election came but the “normalcy” never came back, instead politics stayed more or less the same with a dash of political violence and global conflicts.
“Normalcy” will never return, if there ever was one, but what voters can do is be an informed citizen.
Student voters can be a part of that informed citizenry but more importantly, go on to shape not a “return to normalcy” but a better future.