Editorial: Vote, vote, vote!

By Ella Tracy and Mia Timlin

I’ve spent countless hours in the last few months talking with Minnesotans at their front doors and on campus with St. Kate’s students, asking them the same question: “Are you planning on voting on November 5th?” I get a range of answers. “I’ve already voted by mail!” “I’m going to vote early tomorrow!” “I’m going with my friends on election day.” “I’m not registered yet, but I’ll fill out the application today!” 

The most striking answers I heard were on campus. One student said, “I’m not voting because I’m not a political person.” The other said, “I don’t like either candidate running for president.” An epiphany hit me; I’ve spent so much time celebrating votes that are already committed to the ballot box, and so little thinking about why we actually engage in this civic act every few years. 

So if you, like two of your fellow students, are questioning why you should take a ride in the St. Kate’s Voter Van on November 5th to the polls, I give you the following to consider. 

You should vote because thousands of women before us fought tooth and nail for us to have the right to cast a ballot. 

You should vote because it’s the most fundamental right of a democracy. It’ll take you 30 minutes or less (travel time included) to make your voice a crucial part of a symphony of millions. 

You should vote because women worldwide cannot. You should vote in their honor and in their power. 

Are you a recipient of the Minnesota State Grant? Do you own an apartment or hope to own one? Do you or someone you know receive SNAP or WIC benefits or struggle to pay for childcare? Healthcare? Insurance? Collegiate education? You should vote because, for better or worse, the people we elect in November decide those policies and so much more. 

You should vote because nothing is completely apolitical.  

You should vote for at least someone, because the candidates vying for the Presidential seat aren’t the only people on the ballot. The people funding the state grant program, SNAP and WIC, working to lower housing costs and funding free college? They’re your city council members. Your state legislators. Your judges. And they’re also on the ballot. 

You should vote because there is more on the ballot than just a handful of names. You should vote because when you do, you’re voting for policies. For values. For the future that we are about to enter. 

On November 5th, vote. 

Vote, because there is no reason to not.  

Some of you may not know where to cast your ballot. Many of you will have options. Resident students will have the option of casting a ballot as a member of the Highland Park community, but commuters and residents alike can cast votes from their permanent residences. Vote for your community, whether that be here at St. Kate’s in district 64B, or somewhere else entirely. Vote for the senators and judges and constitutional amendments that will directly impact your neighborhood, friends and family.

If you live on campus and want to vote in the Highland community, take the voter van to your polling location at the Highland Park Community Center at 1978 Ford Parkway. It will depart from the roundabout in front of the CdC every 30 minutes, and all you need to vote is your student ID. 

Didn’t register? Don’t sweat it. Minnesota voters can register day-of at their polling location. Bring ID, proof of address or someone who can vouch for your status as a resident of the district you’re voting in. 

Want to be informed before going into the polls? You can check your sample ballot at myballotmn.sos.mn.gov.

St. Kate’s prides itself on being a campus of change-makers, leaders and truth-tellers. This is your chance to make that true. To put those things into action. Make a voting plan for Nov. 5. Get out to the polls and make your voice heard. 

Vote!