With the primaries under way, participation from voters will make or break current political leaders’ careers
The primary elections will be making their way to California come June where, for some APU students, it will be their first time to vote for a presidential candidate. I believe one of the most important things to remember will be to actually get out there and vote.
With all of the talk surrounding “Super PACs” (Political Action Committees) and the distrust towards our political system, it is easy to ignore the issues. As young people, however, we need to consider our opportunity to vote as a chance to express ourselves.
For the APU students who are unaware of what the primaries consist of, let me explain: The primaries decide who will be the front-runner for each political party come the official presidential election.
According to senior political science major Jake McCurry, voting in the primaries is very crucial for the upcoming election.
“Every vote counts,” McCurry said. “[Iowa’s primary election] is a great example, and it’s important to understand the candidates now in this race, so you will understand them better in the presidential run.”
Many things can sway votes and become deciding factors in the elections, and McCurry believes one will supersede the rest: “Whichever candidate can manufacture the best image.”
So far, McCurry said Mitt Romney will win his vote when the primaries occur in California.
The other republican candidates running are Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and Jon Huntsman. Michelle Bachman withdrew on Jan. 4 due to the primary voting results in Iowa not turning in her favor, and Rick Perry dropped out of the race on Jan. 19 to endorse Newt Gingrich.
As of Jan. 22, Romney has obtained 29% percent of the GOP ballot, leaving Gingrich with 28 percent, Paul with 13 percent and Santorum with 11 percent, according to gallup.com.
Though Romney seems to be the front-runner, political science professor Jennifer Walsh says that the others still have a good chance in the primaries.
“We see Rick Santorum coming on strong after the Iowa caucuses,” Walsh said. “Newt Gingrich certainly is a viable candidate. He is former Speaker of the House … and Ron Paul is still a contender in these early primaries.”
On the democratic side, we have the incumbent Barack Obama, who will not need to campaign much due to his current position as president.
APU does not seem to be buzzing about the elections or primaries. Walsh feels this is typical all over the U.S.
“Interest is low across the country in primary elections, especially if you don’t directly affiliate with one of the parties that are upholding these elections,” Walsh said. “I would say the level of knowledge on the primaries [at APU] is probably comparable to the rest of the country. Because California’s primary race will not be occurring until June, I am not expecting much interest or activity among APU students until late spring.”
Though there is a lack of interest in politics, it is essential that people still become informed and vote.
“You can do your own research online,” McCurry said. “Each candidate has a website with their take on the issues listed. Do that instead of voting for whom your parents vote. Make your own decisions.”
Walsh takes the same stance towards voting.
“I feel it is important, for college students and older voters alike, to pay attention and participate if they feel comfortable doing so because the president has a lot of power these days and we want to make sure that he or she represents everyone, not just a small section,” Walsh said. “We depend on mass participation in order to establish legitimacy for elective officials. If only a handful of people vote for them, it’s hard to say they represent the will of the people.”
Furthermore, college students need to avoid having their main source for political news and information be John Stewart, Steven Colbert or similar figures in the media.
“I would say that’s probably comparable to learning about physics by watching Jackass,” Walsh said. “If you are looking at that and trying to learn something about the world, then that’s probably not a credible information source … The show’s quality in comedy is not in question, just the validity of its truth.”
What is advisable is to look at the multiple sides of the news spectrum.
“If all you hear is what you already believe in, then you’re never challenged to think critically,” Walsh said. “If you typically watch MSNBC or CNN, I’ll encourage students to check out what’s going on in Fox News … and vice versa. Focus on credible programs.”
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Megan Laber is a junior journalism major. She is from Visalia, Calif. and loves discovering new music, hiking and being spontaneous. She plans to travel all over the world and share God’s love to those she meets.
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