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F E AT U R E OCT. 4, 2018
MIDT E R M S
M AT T E R What they are and why students should care.
VOTING WHERE TO REQUIREMENTS REGISTER online at yearsVOTING old on vote.gov election day REQUIREMENTS
BY JESSICA MOONJELY ART & DESIGN BY JENNA ZENG
T
he 2016 presidential election shook political history with its seemingly shocking results, as someone with no political background was voted into the highest form of office. America was more divided than ever in an election that consisted of polarizing opinions and intense media coverage. Students especially became more active by staying informed, participating in marches and supporting campaigns. Everyone was invested in who would be next to call the White House their home. The results were met with extreme emotions. Whether individuals were pleased or disappointed by the outcome, many students believe that now is not the time to stop caring because something even more monumental is coming up on Nov. 6: the 2018 midterm elections. Midterm elections are the national and state elections that occur after the first two years of a presidential term. The positions up for reelection are from the federal, state and local government. Because the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate have twoyear and six-year terms respectively, not all of the members are up for reelection each time. Some believe that the presidential election is the only election of importance. But according to the Washington Post, 43 percent of eligible voters didn’t even fill out a ballot in the 2016 election. Instead of waiting for the 2020 presidential election, those voices can be heard more clearly this year. It is the midterm elections that have the ability to transform the plans of the government. These elections impact the balance of Republicans and Democrats which can, in turn, affect what debates arose and what policies are changed. Though the presidential election is often the most publicized election, students are still affected by the midterm elections. From gun control to immigration, a variety of issues are impacted by who is voted in or out of office during this crucial time period.
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U.S. citizen
DMV
Iowa resident
National Mail Voter Registration Form
*cannot be a convicted felon without voting rights restored, be judged mentally incompetent to vote by a judge, or claim the right to vote in another state
CANVASSING 18
I
n December of 2017, West High alum Zach Wahls ’09 launched his campaign for the Iowa Senate, District 37 midterm election. Being only a graduate student at the time of its launch, he says his success in the primaries was due to tremendous support from both college and high school students alike. “I believe it’s critical to involve young people more generally in our politics, precisely because these decisions have such long-term impacts on us and our futures,” Wahls said. With the help of his volunteers, Wahls made over 10,000 voter contacts during the primary election. Many of these canvassers were high school students such as West High’s Nikul Patel ’20, who went door-to-door to promote Wahls. “I helped out because [Wahls] wants to stand up for people who can’t speak for themselves, such as different minority groups like LGBTQ and racial groups,” Patel said. Another student involved is recent grad-
VOTING REQUIREMENTS
uate Nick Pryor ’18. Since July, Pryor has worked as the organizing fellow for the Wahls campaign, organizing canvassing trips across the state. He believes that there is a way for all students to be involved in the election. “Campaigns are always in need of people to make calls or knock [on] doors,” Pryor said. “Although I strongly encourage everyone to at least give door knocking a chance — it really is the best way to connect with voters — if you go down to a local campaign office, they’ll always have something that needs doing.” Wahls decided to run for office because he felt many groups of Iowans were not being adequately advocated for by the current government. He realized to see change he would have to advocate for it himself. “Our state is currently facing an all-handson-deck moment that will define the future of Iowa for generations to come,” Wahls said.