It’s hard to avoid the fact that Election Day is fast approaching. The latest political scandals are splattered on the front pages of newspapers everywhere and it seems like political ads take up more time than the TV shows you’re watching do. But how much are these tactics affecting Northeastern students? Are you actually going to vote on Tuesday? If you’re scoffing at that question, you should reconsider.
Students have many reasons for not voting while here at Northeastern – they aren’t Massachusetts residents, they don’t have time to follow politics, they don’t like any of the politicians, throughout their entire college career they never took the time to fill out the Massachusetts voter registration form – the list goes on and on.
These are all really bad excuses. The truth is we spend more time at school than anywhere else, especially at Northeastern, where it is common for students to stay year-round. What goes on here politically affects us. It affects us now as students, and has a good chance of affecting us later if we choose to stay after graduation.
The recession has affected co-op opportunities. It’s difficult for certain majors to find a full-time, paid co-op, and opportunities for paid co-ops have become much more competitive. The Massachusetts economy has been a central issue in every candidate’s campaign this season, and each contender has a different plan for how he or she will fix it. Co-op is a great opportunity, and the better the economy, the more options students have. Shouldn’t we weigh in on something that directly affects the quality of our job options?
Voters also have the choice to pull the lever on various questions that affect the state of Massachusetts. Question 1 would repeal the sales tax on liquor store sales. College students purchase/consume a lot of alcohol. This ballot question will affect students (and their wallets) if it is passed. Whether you ultimately decide you are for, or against, Question 1, doesn’t it deserve some looking into?
You don’t have to be from Massachusetts to care about the environment, which is another hot topic in elections this year. Many students enjoy things like hikes, swimming in lakes in nearby towns or going to Cape Cod to visit the beach. If you want to continue these things, you should get out and vote for a candidate who is going to help preserve our resources. Otherwise, they might not be so nice the next time you come around.
Maybe you don’t care about the environment. Maybe you think this money should be spent elsewhere, somewhere that will benefit you and your hobbies. If that’s the case, you should still vote for a candidate who reflects your wants and needs.
It doesn’t matter that you’re not from Massachusetts. You’re here now. Whether you realize it or not (and whether you like it or not), what’s going on in government and politics is affecting you. Take part in the democratic process. Conduct some research on the candidates for governor, auditor, the ballot questions or whatever you want. See how it will affect you if they’re elected (because it will, in some way, affect you). And, if you’ve registered, vote on Tuesday.