Election 2010: younger vote a necessity

State Capitol: Races for govenor, senator and 13 representatives in Peach State. Contributed

The importance of voting is stressed to students at GSCO as governor, senate, and Athens district house elections draw near.
With the coming elections many important matters that will affect students are to be decided. The fate of what will happen rests with those who participate in their one chance to be heard and have a say in their future. Lance Bardsley, assistant professor said, “I think it is very important [to vote] because of all the issues, such as healthcare, social security, Medicare taxes, will impact them [students] for the remainder of their lives.”

Bardsley went on to say how students are dependent on their parents income when it comes to things like financial aid in college, but the consequences for the student if they break the law rest on their shoulders, not their parents. “So for some things you’re treated as an adult, but for things like educational assistance your still viewed as a dependent,” said Bardsley, “this will only change when students take an active interest in their own critical needs.”

Because of the low turnout produced by younger voters, the needs for candidates running for office to discuss topics important to the younger generation get skipped. “18-25 years olds have the lowest voting turnout of any age group and politicians know this fact,” said Bardsley, “Therefore, they can ignore issues that might be important to younger voters.” According to Bardsley younger voter turnout is around 30 percent lower than those of their peers. “The belief is the current crop of public officials are out of touch with what most people think.” Said Bardsley.

Bardsley also says students and younger adults are not the only ones feeling left out of Washington’s decisions, making the attitude of voters angry.

As of now, Bardsley says he believes the Republicans will continue to hold power in the Georgia General Assembly, along with Nathan Deal, Republican, will beat the Democratic candidate Roy Barnes for the governor race. For the U.S. Congress, Bardsley says the Democrats control both the House and Senate. “However,” said Bardsley, “polls indicate the Republicans will regain control over the House.” The Senate may be harder for Republicans to obtain, however, “because only one third of the Senate seats are up for election.”

But only if students look up their preferred candidate and vote according to the beliefs and changes they agree that candidate will make will any actual change happen in Georgia.

The Tea Party, although much talked about, does not seem to play a major role in this year’s elections. “The tea party gets a great deal of press and has an active organization in the state, but with the state being Republican it really has a minimal influence in the races.” Bardsley explained, “The Tea Party is more influential in toss up elections where it may not be a strong blue state district or state.”
To make sure students are aware of the issues, Bardsley commented on some of the most important features of the elections. Locally, Bardsley said there is a constitutional amendment on the ballot to increase vehicle registration by 10 dollars to fund trauma centers. “Also, the state legislature last year was discussing of making the Hope Scholarship means tested because of the growing cost, so that might be on the agenda for this next legislative session.” Bardsley said. He went on to explain the still ongoing talk of raising tuition costs further to reduce the annual state budget. “Finally,” said Bardsley, “if spending cuts come, financial assistance for education I am sure would not be spared so Pell grants could be less and harder to obtain and keep.”

On Nov. 2 students are encouraged to make a statement and vote for the best candidate for Senate, Governor, and the House of Representatives, who will not skip over the smaller, but harder and more important issues to students and the younger voice.