My generation, 18-to 21-year-olds, make up the highest eligible voter population in the country, but have the lowest voting rate. Before COVID-19 took over, organizations like Student Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) were focusing on campaigns like the New Voters Project on college campuses to motivate students to vote. What can we do to fix this while still making sure people are voting safely?
At Mount Holyoke, in 2018, our campus had a 59.9 percent voter turnout, which means that over 700 students did not vote. For our school, that is more than an entire class year! It is time for our campus to get as excited for voting as we do when we hear “Baby’s starting Mount Holyoke College in the fall.” Our international students will be affected by whatever policy or official is in office so those who have the ability to vote, should!
The state of our college is unknown right now but elections will still take place in the fall even if we are virtually learning. Reach out to your local congressman about how you can vote safely in your hometown.
I vote because it is my right. It is my way of having a voice at an age where I can’t run for office. Mount Holyoke is a place of inclusion and where leaders are educated so our campus should work on being the leading college with voter turnout in the Pioneer Valley.
Jaxzia Perez
Mount Holyoke Student
Student PIRGs Summer Intern