By Ruby Schwalm
UNIVERSITY CENTER- Students at Delta College were allowed to speak their minds when voting in this year’s midterm election.
Of the thirteen students interviewed, 77% stated that they planned on voting on Nov. 8, 2022. Half of the intended voters are mainly driven to vote specifically for the purpose of the abortion proposal.
“I want to help save abortion and women’s rights,” 19-year-old Alexander Nichols said, “They can’t take it away from us.”
Others who felt the same way about the abortion proposal said it was their biggest concern.
The abortion proposal is one of the main issues on the ballot in November. It would establish freedom for reproductive rights and exclude discrimination. This is only one of three main proposals, with the others being on the Constitution’s financial disclosure reports and election provisions.
Many voters value the abortion issue, but others are focused on different aspects. One voter mentioned how their biggest concern was how tax dollars were being spent.
“The system is corrupt,” said Joclyn Raymond, 20. “And I don’t think it is fair.” The issue of tax dollars is important to this student.
Most voters were motivated by a purpose, like abortion and budgeting, yet some had a more generalized reason to show up to the polls.
“So, you can get the kind of government that you would be best with,” said Benjamin Dewald, 19, when asked why he planned to vote.
Students who plan to vote have varying motives for using their power at the polls. Yet, some students admitted they didn’t plan to vote in the midterm election.
“I just turned 18 this summer,” said Carmen Tack, 18. “With school and work, I don’t entirely have time to educate myself on voting matters.”
This is how other non-voters felt as well. Multiple students said it was a knowledge conflict and that they weren’t educated because they “didn’t have time” to learn. One student specifically stated that he was “too busy to register” to vote.
Between the voters and nonvoters, most students felt that their vote, and every vote, counts towards making a difference and being a voice. To them, the poll is the place to make your mark on the issues.
“Just go out and vote,” Nichols gave as a piece of advice when asked about voting. “It only takes a minute.”
