As election day nears, feelings of apprehension and confusion riddle voters. An extensive ballot requires a large amount of research, which, when combined with an already heavy workload and busy schedule, can often seem impossible to complete. However, for political science professors, being informed is part of the job.
In anticipation of Nov. 5, visiting assistant professor of political science Kyle Hull and his colleagues encourage students to do the research necessary to cast an informed vote.
“More research is always better,” Hull said. “The more you can read about in advance, the better.”
Hull said one of the best resources students from any state can use to get informed on both national and local elections is Ballotpedia, a website that breaks down the views of candidates and explains ballot measures. Students voting in Nebraska can also look to the Secretary of State’s informational packet for answers to questions about ballot initiatives.
Intaking information is one thing; understanding it is another. Assistant political science professor Geoff Lorenz said students can actively contribute to their community by gaining knowledge about civics in order to make an informed vote.
“Mostly, I engage and encourage my students to be active citizens by training them in civic skills—data literacy, persuasive communication, and understanding the challenges inherent in organizing for a political cause,” Lorenz said.
Ballot initiatives are important to be educated on because they have the potential to greatly affect day-to-day life, according to Hull. This year, with two competing abortion-related initiatives on the ballot, understanding them may prove difficult, Hull said.
“434 would, if passed, constitutionalize the state law, which is a ban (on abortion) after 12 weeks, so after the end of the first trimester. For 439, a vote yes is constitutionalizing the right to abortion before fetal viability,” Hull said. “So, between those two, if they were to both pass, the one with the more ‘yes’ votes wins.”
Ethnic studies and political science professor Alice Kang said those who are not fully informed on election day should still cast a ballot and skip the portions they’re unsure of.
“It’s okay if you skip some of the questions on the ballot. You could vote for just one candidate or on one ballot initiative and leave it at that,” Kang said. “It’s totally up to you how you want to vote. And then next time, you could look up more information and vote on more candidates and issues.”
According to Lorenz, those who don’t fully support either presidential candidate should still cast their ballot for one of them.
“Until our electoral rules change, you should still vote for the candidate of the major party closest to your preferences and values,” Lorenz said. “Think of it less as voting for your avatar in government and more like voting for your negotiating partner. If no candidate is at your preferred position, you want the candidate who is going to be easiest to move to your preferred position.”
Lorenz said another reason that students hesitate to vote is the belief that their votes don’t count or will not influence the results of the election.
“Every vote counts. This year in particular, there are potentially close races and some pretty important ballot initiatives. Depending on where you vote and the issue at hand, some outcomes could come down to a difference of a few thousand votes,” Kang said. “If you feel that the electoral contest you care about is already predetermined, there is still something to be said about making your voice heard through your vote.”
Political science professor Kevin Smith said that voters should not let the general election overshadow local issues and elections, as those have as much or a greater impact on a students’ life.
“In terms of the impact on your day to day life, it’s actually people at the state and the local level. They’re the ones who are responsible for the stuff we all notice,” Smith said. “I think it’s important to inform yourself, simply because those down ballot races deal with issues that are more likely to have an effect on a student’s day to day life.”
According to Lorenz, it’s important for young people to become civically engaged as new generations begin their transition into power.
“Our two most recent presidents have been, shall we say, of a certain age, and Congress has been dominated by Baby Boomers for decades, but that’s starting to change,” Lorenz said. “Gen Zers have distinctive experiences and values… and you see critical local, state, and national issues with fresh eyes. You’re not just pivotal to the future, you’re important right now.”
This post was originally published on here
