To vote, or not to vote: The advocate’s advice

This year, I’ve asked more people to vote than ever, and in doing so, I have come face to face with the question, “Why should I vote?” Initially, I was taken aback. I’m embarrassed to say that my first internal response was, “Because it’s an important thing to do.” Typically, I would respond by telling students about the Campus Cup, a statewide competition over voter registration between all the schools in Utah. I would chat with them about how the winner gets a big trophy and a visit from the lieutenant governor. But this is a reason to get registered, not a reason that will get students to the polls on election day.

As excited as I am to beat BYU in the race for the trophy, that doesn’t excuse my dismissal of a genuine question from students. I want to right that wrong.

In the question, “Why should I vote?,” millions of sub-questions are implied. Some students wonder, “Why should I vote when no politicians represent me?” Or, “Why should I vote when I don’t have a car to get to the polls?” And, “Why should I vote when I can’t afford to take a break from my job?”

These are questions worth answering, and they demand an answer as good as their real concerns. The barrier to entry can feel high when it comes to voting, especially when students struggle to take care of their physical needs. Politics can often feel removed from our daily realities. I don’t want to minimize that perspective.  

However, voting in all elections, not just our presidential ones, is one of the most important things we do as citizens. I would push back on the idea that politics is removed from students’ everyday lives. We are impacted by local, state and federal government decisions daily. Everything from the prohibition of Inclusion Centers in higher education to parking to federal financial aid for students is a decision determined at the state, local or federal levels of government.

As a fellow student, I understand the challenges you may face in getting to the poll, but I urge you to recognize the power of your vote as an investment in the kind of future you want to live in. In the 2016 presidential election, 71% of Americans over 65 voted, compared to 46% of 18 to 29-year-olds based on the U.S. Census Bureau data. Politicians know that they can’t win elections without performing well with seniors, so they tailor their policy proposals to benefit the largest voting population. Imagine if it was that way with younger voters. Your vote is not just a number, it’s a demonstration to politicians that your voting demographic is worth considering when they are making policy proposals. 

When I vote, I understand I have the capability to shape my community. I feel connected to my neighbors and my country. American writer Sharon Salzberg wrote, “Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world.” When I love something like I love my country, I want to make it better. I understand that we live in a flawed place. But my “more perfect union” involves many voices advocating and shaping our world for the better. 

Dolores Huerta, a Chicano civil rights activist and a co-founder of the United Farm Workers, said, “If people don’t vote, everything stays the same. You can protest until the sky turns yellow or the moon turns blue, and it’s not going to change anything if you don’t vote.” Huerta was no stranger to protests and boycotts — in fact, they were key to her movement. However, Huerta knew her power to vote was critical, and she cherished it as a tool for change. Your vote is not just a mark on a ballot. It’s a powerful tool for shaping the future you want to see.

Your voice matters. If you are experiencing constraints like a lack of a vehicle, proper housing, food or warm clothes that would prevent you from getting to the polls, visit me in TSC 342. 

If you don’t have the information you need to vote, come to Aggies Vote Week on Oct. 15-17, a week dedicated to empowering students to get involved in their communities. Please don’t forget to register before Oct. 25 to help us beat BYU. 

I am always available to chat about your civic concerns. Don’t hesitate to stop by my office. I hope to see you on Election Day!

— Sydney Lyman, Student Advocate VP 

You can contact the student avocate at studentadvocatevp.ususa@usu.edu.