A person would be hard-pressed to not know that an election is around the corner in the United States. Debates on television, billboards and yard signs are out in full force. It’s easy to feel lost among all the rhetoric.
A democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people. The prefix dem — means people. America Amplified is a program used by dozens of radio stations across the U.S. by journalists to expand community engagement. In short, to hear from more people.
In collaboration with americaamplified.org, Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) hosted a table in Madison College’s cafeteria in collaboration with The Clarion on Wednesday, Sept. 18, for the purpose of learning what voters and potential voters care most about. WPR also had materials available to educate students on the voting process.
Notecards were filled out and tacked to a bulletin board. A large sheet of paper was written on and a few who were willing were interviewed. Collectively, the notecards were a snapshot of voters’ issues that are driving them to the polls.
Climate change and the environment topped the list of concerns, one person wrote “Anything about addressing the threat from global warming.”
Abortion/Reproductive was a close second, with one person writing “Stop talking about anything else until I have my bodily autonomy back,” and another echoing those feeling with “Be the boss of your own bodies.”
Student debt, the economy and Israel/Gaza were election issues next on the list.
Not every voter had an issue, one student writing, “I don’t really care what candidates talk about, I care much more that someone forces them to answer the questions they’re asked.”
While a steady stream of people participated in this event, which went from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you have not missed your opportunity to participate. Just go to wpr.org/election2024 to share what you care most about.
You can also find an interactive candidate guide there. Questions asked were taken from people like yourself!
Other locations American Amplify and Wisconsin Public Radio have or plan to attend include Milwaukee, Green Bay, Superior, LaCrosse and Wausau.
“One thing that struck me[while at the tabling event] was while we always hear about hot button issues like healthcare and housing, I learned of other issues I was unaware of like a bill that would affect veterans, doula services and access to archived information on the internet,” said Bridgit Bowden, special projects reporter for Wisconsin Public Radio. These subjects may lead to further reporting.