Madison Shumway
Life Editor
Young people vote less than old people. That’s a fact.
In the 2014 midterm election, only 23.1 percent of eligible voters age 18-34 showed up at the polls, compared to 50 percent of voters age 45-64 and 59.4 percent of voters age 65 and older.
All that talk about millennials ruining everything is annoying, but when it comes to voter turnout, maybe baby boomers have a point.
The 2018 midterm election could be a pivotal one, and for many ISU students, it represents one of their first opportunities to vote. Eight professors, candidates and students chimed in with their reasons to turn out on Nov. 6.
Maicie Bullock – candidate for Bannock County Commissioner:
“Voting is vitally important for so many reasons. We put our trust in the people we vote into office to make decisions about the things that impact our daily lives. That’s why it’s important to get out and vote. But what’s equally important is knowing who you’re voting for. Voters need to get to know the candidates, their experience and what their values are. So, I urge people to not only get out and vote on November 6th, but know who you’re voting for.”
Ethan Likness – dietetics and fitness education major:
“Quite frankly, it’s your duty as an American to make sure that if somebody upholds similar values to you and running for a position in office, that you do whatever is within your grasp to make sure that they can find a place in office. It’s a double-sided coin. Inaction and action are both equally powerful.”
Dan Rainey – candidate for Bannock County Treasurer
“Our elected officials can impact almost every aspect of our lives. Any reason you may have for not voting is not worth risking the loss of the freedom.”
Zac Gershberg – assistant professor of Communication, Media, and Persuasion at ISU
“Voting, especially for young people between the ages of 18-29, is important because right now both political parties take millennials for granted. Republicans ignore issues facing young voters because it’s not worth the effort, given their low turnout numbers. It’s a rational strategic decision until that calculus changes. Democrats, meanwhile, offer only tepid interest, knowing that while they generate support from millennials at the polls, as a coalition young voters are notoriously unreliable. Even if you don’t know the candidates and issues, then, voting will allow you to exercise some clout. If turnout rates spike among the millennial generation, this will translate to politicians locally, statewide, and nationally paying attention to pressing matters that confront younger voters.”
Aaron Swisher – candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Idaho 2nd Congressional District
“Students should vote because they have the most to gain (and the most to lose) if the country is put on the right path (or the wrong path). If non-voters suddenly decided to turn out to the polls, it could drastically change the course of our nation. You should use that power and be part of that movement.”
Dustin Manwaring – Idaho state representative
“This year’s midterm elections on November 6th will be [an] important day in our state and for our country. We have many state and local races, including a race to determine Idaho’s next governor, lieutenant governor and state school superintendent. As voters, we get to choose who will represent us and promote our values within government. Students in particular should vote because your future careers and families will be directly impacted by those individuals elected to office in your community.”
Sarah Oliver – assistant professor of political science at Towson University
“Vote to build confidence and knowledge as a citizen, to express your views, to affect turnout rates for young people. To cancel out the vote of someone you disagree with. So you can tell your professor. To get a ‘cool’ sticker.”
Steve Landon – candidate for Idaho House of Representatives
“This generation of young adults is going to shape the future of this country for the next fifty years. When I talk to millennials, I always tell them that my generation is going to do something that no other generation has done in the history of this country. We are going to turn the country over to the next generation in worse shape than it was when we had it handed to us.
You are the key to changing that. If you want something different for yourselves and your kids you are going to have to reach out, take it over and shape it the way that you want it to be shaped. The only way to do that is by being informed, politically active and unafraid to voice your concerns and your own ideas for your future.
Your voice is powerful, especially when it’s combined with many other voices, but your vote, in concert with millions of others will change this country and the world. It is up to you.”
