The midterm election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 8. While the midterms typically get less of a voting turnout than the presidential elections, it’s still a pivotal election that shouldn’t be slept on. Here’s why you should get to your nearest polling place on Election Day.
There are a lot of controversial issues on the line right now. These are topics that most everyone has an opinion on.
Critical issues across the board, some specific to Wisconsin and Dane County, range from the availability of abortion services and whether health care workers will be prosecuted for providing an abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, marijuana legality and the wiping of certain marijuana related charges from criminal records, climate policies, law enforcement funding, voting accessibility and so on. A referendum for public schooling may also be on your ballot. Have a say in the fate of these issues that are important to Wisconsin’s future, if you are able. In other words, let your voice be heard.
Young voters are often ignored by campaigns, as many young people simply don’t vote. Since the 2020 midterm election, Tufts University reports that there are 8.3 million new voters, aged 18-19, nationwide. Tufts adds that these new voters have the opportunity to broaden the electorate, being the most racially diverse group of young potential voters yet. Register to vote, show up and break the cycle of young voters being passed over. More information from Tufts on young voters can be found here: https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/more-8-million-youth-are-newly-eligible-voters-2022.
It’s easy. If you aren’t already registered, you can do this simply online at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Register-To-Vote. If you forget this step or don’t have access to the internet, you can register at the polls. Just remember to bring a proof of residence document (this could even be a utility bill with your name on it), and a photo ID. Find other acceptable proof of residence documents at https://www.cityofmadison.com/clerk/elections-voting/voter-registration/proof-of-residence.
Your vote counts. Many people feel that it doesn’t. If everyone had a hive mind and felt that voting didn’t matter, democracy would diminish. In close elections, even just a matter of a few votes swinging one way or the other can make all the difference on elected officials and their decisions on policies that are important to you and those you care about.
Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 8. If you have a busy schedule, like many students do, remember that legally, employers must let you leave work for up to three hours to go vote. If you are able, get out and vote.