By Adam Hornbuckle
Political Columnist
Election Day is less than a month away, and to say it’s just around the corner is an understatement. On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Americans go to their polling places to cast their votes for who they think the next leader of the free world should be.
Deadlines for registration to vote vary from state to state; New York’s deadline is Oct. 14. This time of year has students thinking, how important is it to vote?
From left: Matt Ruhlig, sophomore marketing major; Miranda Alldafder, sophomore health schience major; Lindsey Greenfader, junior fashion merchandizing major; and Brendan Gaghan, senior history major
“I think it’s important to vote. It’s our opportunity to have a say in who’s going to make our country a better place,” said Lindsey Greenfader, a junior fashion merchandising major. “This November will be my first time voting, I’m voting for Hillary, I think it’s time we have a woman in the White House,” she added. Frank Ranfone, a sophomore psychology major, agreed, “Yeah, it is important to vote; it’s only one vote, but it counts.” Ranfone said he’d be voting for “Trump, baby!”
Junior criminal justice major, Salina Webson said, “I think everyone can make a difference in some type of way. I actually just registered to vote.” She added, “I don’t know who I’m voting for, but definitely not Trump.”
These Post students agree; voting is important. But students interviewed about whether they felt obligated to vote were split 50/50 between yes and no.
Sophomore health science major, Miranda Alldaffer said, “No it’s not an obligation, it’s a choice and I don’t like any of the [candidates].” Similarly, Brendan Gaghan, a senior history major, said, “No, I feel like there is no need to vote in today’s day and age.”
Others, however, felt that voting is an obligation. Connor Farrell, a sophomore business major said people need to exercise their rights. And Matt Ruhlig, a sophomore marketing major said, “I think the change starts with us.”
The results of the Pioneers’ unscientific poll of students were clear. Although most think it’s important to vote, only half think it’s their obligation. Yet, they all agreed that this election is the most interesting one of their lifetimes. For most, it will be their first chance to engage in the political process. In November, we will see just how many choose to cast their vote, and of course, which candidate is elected.
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