Story By: Justin Janorschke
Photos By: Rachael Bergeron
2016 is a big year for students nationwide. For many of them, it is the first time they will be able to voice their opinions and vote for the next President of the United States. Their involvement has ranged from volunteering for the campaigns of candidates they support to voting in the elections themselves.
Austin Bauer, president of the Missouri Western Politics Club, stresses the importance of students doing all that they can to make sure their ideals are represented by America’s next Commander-in-Chief.
“It’s our future that is at stake more than anyone else’s,” Bauer said. “You have to look at the next four years, but you have to look beyond that too. Think, if this person gets elected, how will that change things for the future and if that’s worth it?”
Unfortunately, while many students are eager to speak their opinions regarding potential candidates, political analysts predict that most students won’t vote. According to data collected by the US Census Bureau, the number of voters between the ages of 18 to 24 has been in decline since 1962. This can be problematic, as people who want their voices to be heard aren’t doing what they can in order to make it happen.
Dr. Jon Euchner, a political science professor at Western, offers insight as to why he thinks students will stay home instead of going to the polls this year.
“Most student involvement this year is through the Bernie Sanders campaign,” Euchner said. “Sadly, in my view, I think Sanders will end up losing the nomination fight to Hillary Clinton and most young Sanders supporters will not vote in November. I hope I am wrong.”
Some issues that have students in support of Sen. Sanders are his progressive political views towards healthcare and free college tuition.
“I think the change he is promising is really inspiring a lot of students who have grown up in this era of disgruntled government,” Bauer said. “I think that our generation is looking for a new direction and Sanders seems to be providing that direction. Whether or not he can deliver on that is another question.”
Fortunately, there is a silver lining. Many student organizations exist on campus that are dedicated to student politics such as Politics Club, Women of the Future and Pi Sigma Alpha. These organizations put on events, host voter registration drives and hold regular meetings to discuss politics. They don’t discriminate based on political party either, so they appeal to students from both sides.
As American citizens, it is important for students to reverse the trend of young people not voting.
“I just think there’s a lot at stake, so for students to make their voice heard … is going to be important,” Bauer said. “Don’t sit idly by and let others decide the future for you.”