By: Anna De Simone SHELTON, Conn. – The 2020 presidential and Connecticut primary election is just around the corner, which means the future of the U.S. is in the hands of millions of American adults. How can one have their voice heard? The answer is simple: cast a vote. Jimmy Tickey, chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Jim Himes D-Conn., said: “The freedom to vote is America’s most important political right outside of the Bill of Rights, and it is one of the most hard-won rights. Voting offers you a voice like no other -- to have a say in local, state and federal matters by electing representatives who can move forward on the values you believe in. This year, there is a presidential election which is critically important as we decide what will be the direction and future of our country.” The inconvenience of registering to vote is existent, but does not outweigh the advantages of voting, according to the Town of Seymour’s First Selectman, Kurt Miller R-Conn., who said the opportunity to vote for the offices of president, U.S. Senate and U.S. Congress are “very significant.” According to Miller, “Our world is changing and evolving very quickly --having a say in those people who will be making decisions that will impact this country for years to come is very, very important and heavily outweighs an inconvenience at the polling place.” For those individuals who feel as though they aren’t as knowledgeable on U.S. politics as they should be to select a presidential candidate by early November this year, Miller said he would start with a simple Google search. He advises potential voters to research election candidates online and inform themselves on who they are and what they stand for. “Try to find the one that has the most in common with you, or if they are for or against any specific issues that you feel very strongly about, said Miller.” In terms of local elections, The League of Women Voters just one example of the many non-partisan entities that provide information about candidates, according to Tickey. He said he suggests that voters seek information about candidates from non-partisan organizations as well as their local paper who will profile the candidates. With such a small state like Connecticut, Tickey said it should be easy to get in touch with candidates involved in state elections. He said he encourages voters to call and email candidates to have any questions answered. Aside from this election year, state and local candidates are usually more accessible and can be found door-knocking in neighborhoods, according to Tickey. As far as representation of the younger demographic in elections, millennials and Generation Z-ers constantly fail to show up to the polling stations. While many take actions to ignite change within their communities, others’ concerns are elsewhere. Retired Southern Connecticut State University Political Science Professor, Arthur Paulson, said: “The fact is that younger folks have always turned out in lower numbers than older folks --too bad. Today the younger demographic sends at least two lessons at once: Many of them demonstrate for racial equality, and many of them hang out in crowds without masks. What do we make of that? Anyway, in a close election, every voice counts.” Miller said he thinks the younger generation isn’t as active in their government because they believe that they have plenty of time and many elections ahead of them. However, Miller argues that decisions being made now are going to have a huge impact on them. They need to be a part of the process and their turnout could be extremely significant --enough to change the outcome of an election, according to Miller. Millennials and Generation Z-ers will make up 37% of the voting population this November, making them the largest voting block in the country, said Tickey. To those young voters who are uncertain about whether they should vote, Tickey stated that they “should collectively use their voices in this important election as we decide which direction our country is headed, who will serve on the Supreme Court and what policies are enacted –which will impact generations to come.” According to Miller, some elections are close and others are blow outs --but every vote matters and needs to be counted. He added that while the vote may not change the outcome of who the winner will be, it can help to shine some light on issues or causes that might otherwise be ignored. Considering how the U.S. is facing the novel COVID-19 virus along with many other countries across the globe, world leaders are expected to protect their citizens and countries more than ever before. An election in the midst of this unprecedented time allows candidates to kick into high gear and showcase their groundbreaking ideas to all potential voters. “First, the combined impact of COVID-19 and the issue of race make this a year in which we confront the fact that we may be at a turning point in our history,” Paulson said. “The virus is speeding up the pace of change and there are choices to be made about life in a postindustrial society, about the environment, and about the whole sense of social responsibility.” Paulson then added that these and related issues include valid arguments on all sides and are always important to debate, but this year the pace of change may be leaping us ahead by decades and make the choices all the more compelling. “Now for an anti-populist statement: Knowledge is superior to ignorance,” Paulson said. “But, being knowledgeable is determined not only by what you know right now, but by an openness and willingness --even eagerness-- to keep learning. We all are ignorant of most things we need to know, and therefore we need to learn those things. What makes politics different is that it influences everybody.” According to Paulson, the Coronavirus should have taught individuals that they do not have the right to do things that hurt other people. Regardless of one’s point of view, Paulson said ignorance about politics hurts other people and people are obligated to be interested and keep learning. “Ahead of myself: In a close election every voice counts, Paulson said. “Your question has to do with the concept of political efficacy. Those who experience lower levels of political efficacy tend to be less involved in politics. My message to them is twofold: Not being engaged in politics sends a message, accurate or not, that you do not care about your fellow citizens --and failing to become engaged in politics is a self-fulfilling prophecy.” The central question –what the future of the U.S. will look like –remains unanswered. Do your part to direct the nation on the path that you wish. Exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020 in the Connecticut primary and on Nov. 3, 2020 in the presidential election. Note: The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce does not endorse any political candidates. The arguments presented in this article are not affiliated with the opinions of the Chamber. For further information, check out the resources listed below: Your Voters’ Guide: Personalized Ballot Information Connecticut Election Calendars |
CategoriesAuthorsGreater Valley Chamber Staff, Interns & Members Archives
November 2023
|