WHEN THERE ARE MANY VOICES, HOW DO WE HEAR THEM?
October 20, 2020
WHEN THERE ARE MANY VOICES, HOW DO WE HEAR THEM?
One of the essential skills a college education gives you is the chance to learn is how to take part in a truly free discussion in which a variety of points of view may be expressed. Sometimes those opinions differ dramatically; often they are passionately held, and working our way through those discussions can be an intense, uncomfortable experience. With all of the political ads and promotions, protests and campaign speeches, billboards, bumper stickers, and “like this” solicitations, it’s tempting to plug our ears!
But that’s the nature of free speech in a democratic society. We all have the opportunity to speak...and we also have the opportunity to listen.
We are approaching a presidential election. Your voice matters to our democracy, so listen, courteously, to the voices of your peers, your neighbors, your community. Your voice matters to our democracy, so learn, evaluate, and vote.
The presidential election is just 14 days away. As a citizen, as a voter, you can influence the course of a nation. You can help to ensure that you are represented by participating in this critical event.
Not sure how to vote? You can find information at Voting and Elections.
Student organizations have also coordinated information tables on the quad outside the Pond Student Union, Pocatello campus from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. The College Republicans hosted their table on October 14. The College Democrats are hosting on October 21.
The College Democrats on campus has halted all events due to Covid-19, including their “Get out the Vote” and voter registration events; however, they still encourage students to register either online or at the polls. Susan Carter, advisor for the organization, encourages students to participate: “Our voices need to be heard locally and nationally. This is not the time for the status quo.” The College Democrats advocate for social and political change as a way to unite the nation: “We believe that the Democratic party has a plan, one that they are willing to share with all Americans, all cultures, races, religions, and beliefs because we are ONE America.” If you are interested in the organization, please reach out to Susan Carter, cartsus2@isu.edu, or President Jack Sherlock at sherjack@isu.edu.
You can get more information on Idaho votes.gov. The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 23, and the last day for early voting is October 30.
If you are interested in volunteering for the democratic party, check out the Idaho Democratic Party website.