SLU Encourages Students to Vote
Thelomathesian Society President Molly Thompson ’22 urges St. Lawrence students to vote in the upcoming presidential election. According to a post on the SLU Votes Everywhere Instagram page, the voting rate on campus for the 2016 presidential election was 44% while the national rate for institutions was 55.4%. Not only is it our civic duty, says Thompson, “but I think this election is the most consequential election of our lifetimes.”
Thompson points to the Supreme Court nominee and climate change as two consequential elements of this upcoming election. “Even taking politics out of [the discussion], the next Supreme Court nominee will be on the bench until we’re in our mid to late 50s,” she states. Not only will the chosen nominee impact future generations, but Thompon also points to the implications that the new Supreme Court Justice will have on climate change policy. She states, “The next administration will determine whether or not we get on track on time [to combat climate change.]”
For Liv Erwich ’22 this upcoming election is one of particular significance. “It is your duty to vote,” he says to fellow SLU students, “and you’re representing people who can’t vote.” Erwich is a Dutch citizen who is unable to vote in the November election. He further explains, “As a queer trans immigrant, I have rights on the line and there is nothing I can do about it.” Despite being unable to vote, Erwich utilizes his social media presence to call attention to social issues and injustices. “I’m active on my Instagram about social issues because I hope to influence those who can vote,” he states.
In addition to using social media as a tool to engage and inspire voters, some SLU professors are offering extra credit to students who register and vote. Reagan Collier-Hogan ’22 explained that Visiting Assistant Professor of Film Studies Jacqueline Pinkowitz is offering extra credit to students who demonstrate that they are registered voters and have voted in the Nov. 3 elections. For students unable to register to vote, Professor Pinkowitz is still offering extra credit to those who participate in the voting process in other ways, such as making calls for a voter registration drive. “It’s important for young people to vote because we have a chance to make a change,” Collier-Hogan further states.
Thompson also believes in the power of young voters and influence they can have on this presidential election. “I think we’re the most powerful part of the electorate this election,” she states, “the young people who were unable to vote last presidential election, which is why it’s so important we vote and have our voices heard.”