On Thursday, Sept. 19, the Diversity Committee Director of A Magazine Nica-Emmanuel Delgado hosted a Voting 101 session to educate students on the voting process for the upcoming presidential election.
Delgado discussed topics such as democracy, Kent State’s history with political affairs, issues on Ohio’s ballot, voting registration for in-state residents as well as out-of-state residents and why it’s important to exercise your right to vote.
As Nov. 5 draws near, several people across the nation have expressed uncertainty and despair about voting. Delgado says that many Americans need to research and find issues they’re passionate about. When Americans recognize their values, morals and different aspects of their day-to-day life, then the candidate who benefits their future and aligns the most with their standards will become more evident.
“Once you find out the ‘why?’ in why you’re voting, then you can go on and register to vote so you can make sure that it’s reflected in the people in power.” Delgado said. “It’s super important to make sure that you’re putting in the work, but also that the work is getting done.”
Delgado also acknowledged the huge role that students have during the election period.
Student participation in elections can influence policy changes and direct the nation toward important issues, as well as shape the nation’s perspective on certain topics throughout the election season.
“I think there’s some dissent, but a strong, unified direction that most of the youth wants to go in.” Delgado said. “I think that together we have the power to change the tide in making the Earth stay livable, and making sure that we can keep our bodily autonomy to ourselves as well as making sure people are safe no matter what their background is in the U.S.”
Our voice as students holds a lot of power during times of political discomfort as a nation, but Kent State students specifically have a large impact on the political atmosphere. May 4, 1970, was one of the most historical, influential events that framed the way that the nation views students in times of war, crisis and political intensity.
“Kent State is also kind of a historical ground for students sharing their voices.” Delgado said. “Everybody must learn about May 4 during Flashes 101, so tying that in is important to continue the legacy of the previous Kent State students that came before us.”
Delgado’s informative presentation about the basics of voting and the importance of exercising our first amendment right emphasized our duties as citizens of the United States, along with why we should express genuine interest and concern for the world surrounding us as we make our way to the polls on Nov. 5.
Register to vote here: https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/
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