Opinion: Students Need to Vote in November

By Joan Edens

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

(Joan Edens is a student at Motlow State Community College.)

SMYRNA -- Tennessee saw a disappointing voter turnout in this year's midterm primaries, and that needs to change in the next election (especially among young people). 

According to a recent article in Tennessee Lookout by Lucas Brooks, only 17% of registered voters cast a ballot. That means 3.7 million voters let 0.5 million decide several issues for the state.

It's been widely reported that Motlow State Community College's major demographic of 18 to 24 years of age has a higher rate of voting. However, less than half (33%) voted in the last presidential election. In contrast, young people can be seen in force protesting, volunteering and speaking out about topics that they care about on social media. 

If every young person who expressed their opinion on TikTok or Snapchat would also show up at the polls, they might gain leverage with the politicians who have the power to affect the issues that they care about. Politicians pander to their voter base to get into and stay in office. The way one becomes part of the voter base is by voting. 

Races on the Nov. 8 ballot in Tennessee include the U.S. House, Tennessee Governor, State Senate and House, State Supreme and Appellate courts, School boards, and Municipal positions. Readers can check to see what is on the ballot in specific voting districts by visiting  www.BallotPedia.org. 

These positions have the power to change day-to-day lives in Tennessee. Most are for state-level positions that can impact issues such as

 + Climate change - water pollution, clean energy sources, recycling.

+ Reproductive rights - including health care and education.

+ Emergency response - Covid, disasters, police and firefighters.

+ Education - charters, banned materials, and school lunches.

+ Health care and drugs - insurance, mental health services, and marijuana.

+ Camping/homelessness - where one can camp without being charged with a felony.

+ Law Enforcement - penalties including death, adult/minor exceptions.

In the past few years, Tennessee has enacted laws regarding many of these issues while answering to a slim percentage of the state's population. When campaign contributors make up the largest voice available to guide representatives, the state loses. Motlow students have the power this fall to help increase the influence of the people, and most especially the young vote. All they need do is show up and vote to support or deny currently proposed candidates and legislation. 

Voting might take a little more effort than filling out a social media poll, but the payoff makes up for it. To have your preferences count, register by Oct. 11 and vote, either in early voting or on election day, Nov. 8. To learn more, visit https://ovr.govote.tn.gov.