2008 Woodie Awards
Election day events on campus
Tony Brino
Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: Front Page
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Dr. Strine described the political environment that exists largely due to the apathetic attitude of most citizens. According to Strine, only about half of all eligible voters in the United States actually vote in presidential elections. The number is even less during local election years.
Dr. Strine repeatedly emphasized the need for young people to change their attitude towards voting.
"It's amazing what the youth could do if they actually vote."
He noted that if every college student who was eligible to vote in 2004, had voted, George W. Bush might not have been re-elected considering the fact that many of the young people who did vote supported John Kerry.
The problem is, many young people are either unaware of, or don't care how government policies affect their lives. The politicians, knowing the demographic of voters, target them in their policies.
"A huge issue in every major election is Social Security," said Dr. Strine, because of the fact that most senior citizens vote.
Strine described the simple yet powerful way in which young people can create change through voting. Politicians desire power, want to be re-elected and will change their policies accordingly. If citizens are displeased with the policies of a particular politician, they can vote that person out of office, thus changing the policy.
Kinkead discussed the negative influence of money in politics and reiterated the need for college students to vote.
The group "promotes clean elections by removing unfair money influences." Kinkead said. Clean elections, which are used to at least some extent in Maine, Connecticut and New Jersey, means that people running for public office use public funding, not private funds, to finance their campaign. This removes the influence of private interests and allows an average person to have a fair chance at being elected.
According to Kinkead, less than 750,000 out of 3 million Americans make donations larger than $200 to a political candidate. The policies of a candidate frequently reflect the interests of donors- often lobbies and corporations that are primarily interested in profits despite the negative impact their industries may have on the environment and society. Winners of political elections are usually the candidates with the most money.
"Most elected officials are men," said Kinkead. "55% of all eligible voters are women, but only 16% of all elected officials are women. The number of minorities serving in public office is even less.