Edna Grant
Staff Writer
A recent series of social media polls showed that 75% of Idaho State University campus residents were not registered to vote in Pocatello, despite there being another 75% of them who plan to vote on Nov. 5 in a local election.
Many ISU students opted to fill out voter registration forms for their home counties, instead of Bannock county for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons, according to a majority of students, is convenience.
Numerous students on campus admitted they remain registered in their hometowns because they either didn’t think about changing their residence, or they wouldn’t know how to register their university housing. Others believe their votes are better placed in other counties or states because they don’t plan to live in the area for a long time.
“I’m not registered to vote there, but I am starting to think that I should be more involved in the community my school belongs to,” said Pocatello resident and BYU-I student, Ben Carlson. “I’m not going to live here forever.”
Other students, like ISU sophomore Brenna Languein, believe they should vote in their college towns.
“They could put into effect certain policies that could affect what goes on around the university,” said Languien. “Like say, they involve construction or roadwork, which could affect traffic flow — even if you live on campus, it affects you.”
Local elections have historically seen the least amount of young voters, but according to Languien, the smaller elections should be paid just as much attention.
“Usually I’ve only voted national, but lately I’ve been trying to get back into the local elections,” she said. “You should start at the bottom to make a difference at the top.”
The Federal Voting Assistance Program lists young voters from the ages of 19 to 29 as 21% of the United States’ eligible voters and were projected to have the most voting power the last presidential election. Only 50% of young voters voted in that election.
According to Carlson and Languein, a big factor in young voters’ decisions to not vote is that many students are unaware of the offices open or proposed bills on the ballot, and know even less about candidates running.
A poll of ISU students this week showed that just over 80% of participating students had no idea what would be on the Bannock County ballot this November.
“I think the problem right now is that it’s harder for us to find information, some times, on local elections,” Languein said. “Myself included, it’s like who am I voting for?” Languein claims it’s hard for young voters to know where to find the pertinent information.
Organizations at ISU have teamed up with community resources such as the League of Women Voters to offer students and faculty opportunities to register with the county. One such opportunity was held on National Voter’s Registration Day in September, where 87 ISU students and faculty registered to vote, according to the League of Women Voters.
Carlson and Languein both agreed that the county courthouse would be the first place to find basic information on upcoming elections and voter registration details. However, according to Languien, the courthouse may be an intimidating first step.
Voters in Idaho can register to vote at their county courthouses or at their local precincts year long. Idaho also offers election day registration for those who were unable to register prior to elections.
