By Caleb Carr
This year’s midterms are being called one of the most important ever, according to many politicians, including the president who, in September at the Republican National Committee Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas, said that “In 55 days, Americans will be going to the polls in one of the most important elections in our country’s history.”
Professor Howe, who teaches Intro to American Politics at STLCC, thinks that “It is extremely important to vote in the midterm; our government relies on the idea that people will participate and vote.”
She also went on to mention that there are important issues, constitutional amendments and initiatives on the ballots that people need to pay attention to. It is important to know that the midterm isn’t just about sending politicians to Washington, but also about voting on things that can change the community and state.
Edu Karanga, a student at STLCC, sees the importance of voting.
“It’s important to vote to see the changes you want in your community. On a day-to-day basis, you see a lot of issues that can affect you, whether it’s in your school, your community or in your families, and honestly, all these issues can be fixed, but it takes effort and the ability to go to the voting booth to see the candidates who you want to pass the legislation you want,” Karanga said.
While some members of the community think voting is key, not everyone feels the same way. Austin Crabtree, another student at Meramac, has a different view.
“I don’t really care about politics or anything. It hasn’t really interested me at all,” Crabtree said.
When asked if they cared about the outcome of the midterm election, they said, “No, we’re screwed anyways.”
This view can be seen more broadly, especially when looking back to the presidential election of 2024 with 47% of eligible Gen Z voters ages 18–29 voting, according to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University.
But many recognize that voting is not just about the politicians; it’s also about the legislation that can affect everyday life, including propositions that can affect access to medical procedures, taxes and even how citizens can get the legislation they created to the ballot. Voting is a part of democracy that relies solely on its people to come together to choose the future of the country.
