Students are often told that voting is both a right and a great privilege. It is true that there are many places in the world where not everyone gets to vote in a fair and free election of government officials. As citizens, we are very lucky to be able to participate in the democratic process.   

Oswego State students, it is time to make your voices heard this midterm election. If 32 votes can decide the 2017 local Oswego City Council election, as that margin did here, imagine what 8,000 students can do. Congress changes as we vote; think of all the changes that would happen if students worked together and voted in large numbers. The decision to vote can make a bigger impact than many students realize. It would be beneficial for us all to help elect the best government officials we can.

When asked why they do not vote, most students on campus will often say that it is hard to find the necessary information to become an educated voter. They often feel confused about politics, like they are disconnected from crucial information about the candidates because of “fake news.”

“I’m too distanced from the political realm.” Tom O’Halloran, a senior at Oswego State, said. “I feel like I’ve been so pushed away from it the last couple years that I don’t even know how to care about it anymore. It’s oddly artificial sometimes.”

Luckily, Oswego State students have access to Vote Oswego’s completely nonpartisan website dedicated to helping students educate themselves about the political parties and the candidates. Voters have the internet at their fingertips and can be informed.

For those of voters who are not aware, midterm elections are when citizens come out to elect a new Congress. Students will have the chance to decide which political party will gain control of the two chambers of Congress – the House of Representatives and the Senate – for the next two years. They will be deciding who will speak for themwhen legislation is being proposed, who controls government spending and who supervises the activities of the executive branch. People should flex their constitutional right this midterm election and accept theirresponsibility as a citizen to participate in creating a brighter future for all of us.

Students voting by absentee ballot should make sure their absentee ballots are stamped and mailed before Nov. 5 – the last day ballots can be postmarked.

For those who are planning to vote at the polls, make sure to go to the Board of Elections website in order to look up your polling locations (http://www.oswegocounty.com/boe).

There is no excuse not to vote. Everyone should be encouraged to vote and educate themselves on the importance of getting their voices heard – how it affects them and why they should be staying involved. Also, do not forget to stay informed about other political races approaching at federal, state and local levels.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons