In My Terms
Jessica Knapp
Communicator

As a 20-year-old first-time voter, I have become a follower of the bandwagon others my age have jumped on as well that its time for our generation to make a difference and be heard in an election. This latest trend includes those who have not voted on a basis of apathy and have decided that it is time to break tradition and join young with old at the voting poles. It is a majority belief that this election is one that could bring about the change that our government needs.

By using the word “bandwagon,” I am not at all implying that this belief and this cause is not worthy or is a fad. I am saying that the revolution has become a contagious trend among those under the age of 30, spread by the celebrity’s that majorities follow religiously. A united front from all Americans that our government needs change is what is needed and I am proud to buy my ticket to this bandwagon.

Yet, registering and voting for the popular candidate is not nearly enough. Voting a person into a public office needs to be an informed and conscious decision by which the voter truly believes in what the candidate stands for and believes he or she will be the best choice for the job.

Researching what a candidate stands for in comparison to what they say are their plans for the office in which they are running for is essential for the voter.

Stands on issues will ultimately affect the policies they create while in office.

Taking a candidates word that they will do as they say on the podium is just like taking a panhandlers word when they say they will pay you back the few dollars you gave them. The candidate will say whatever it takes to get your vote, even it means sometimes fudging a little on their convictions.

In the past, I have chosen not to vote in the last two elections based solely on the fact that I knew nothing about the issues or the positions in which I would be voting. This year, I run into the same problem after receiving my absentee ballot.

I see only whom I would like to vote for president, governor and the three regional issues in which I am aware of. The back of the ballot lists state representatives, house representatives, insurance representatives and what not that I really don’t have any clue as to what they do. I can’t help knowing that there must be countless more individuals in the same position as I.

It is tempting to look at these names I’ve hardly heard and positions I know little about and choose the person with the prettiest sounding name, or fill in all the Democratic nominees since I tend to lean to that side. Although there could be arguments made that this way of voting would insure a universal system, I believe that voting blindly without knowledge could only lead to a larger disconnection of the people with their government.

I hope that many others hold this conviction and will decide not to take the easy way out as so many Americans do every day.

Take the small amount of time it takes to find a voter’s pamphlet, go to the candidate’s websites, and look online or any other resource. Find out for yourself what they will do for you and for the whole of country.

Hop on the bandwagon with me and vote responsibly.

You can contact the writer at staffwriter@spokanefalls.edu