From a teen's perspective: Why I asked local candidates to share in their own words
The right to vote is not only one of our most basic rights as Americans, but it is also one of the most important. Through voting, citizens’ voices are heard and we are given a chance to have a say in government. Although there are many issues with the way voting is conducted in America and there are many reforms needed to improve voting rights, working with what we have right now is important.
Many people believe that the federal elections are the only ones that are important, but municipalities have an equal, if not greater, impact on voters' everyday lives. Local elections are the ones that can change how our hometowns and counties work and are the ones that have the power to change how our daily actions happen. With this in mind, why is there not more information about when to vote, where to vote, and who is running for local elections? Why is the voter turnout so much lower?
I’ve watched the national coverage on national elections. I know each candidate’s platform. I know who I agree with. But locally, I might not know, and I doubt many other people know the local candidates’ platforms as well as national candidates. So, I decided to take on a rather large project. Throughout the next few weeks, we’ll share local candidates’ platforms in Davidson Local. These statements will be in their words, not mine, in order to limit as much bias as possible. Educated voters are the best voters, and through this project, I hope to promote that idea.
I encourage each person to read these articles and vote for who you agree with most, regardless of other factors. Through this, we will be able to have local governmental systems that support the wants of the people in the county, not just a few people who voted based on other factors. I hope that this project will not only increase voter turnout, but also voter awareness, and help bring Davidson County to a new level of voting awareness with a brighter future.
