August 4, 2012
What’s a Swing State?
It has recently come to my attention that it is extraordinary (for some people) to see a presidential campaign commercial between every Olympic event or after each segment of the morning news. That’s not normal? You didn’t see Hilary Clinton’s family photos at Lake Winola? What about the one where Obama is hunting? Not even the infamous “Joe the Plumber” ad? Ahhh… I forgot. I live in a swing state.
Growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania is not always as interesting as the Office makes it seem. If you have ever driven through PA, you know there are a lot of farms and only some “cities” every once and a while. As my high school American History teacher said, “Pennsylvania has Pittsburgh and Philadelphia… and then Alabama in between”. However, Scranton is one of those Northeastern points with enough people to impact the overall voting status of the state. Every. Vote. Counts. And the presidential candidates know it, otherwise they wouldn’t be parading through the countryside every four years.
When my mom was growing up, JFK flew into the Avoca Airport. Since I have been paying attention, Biden, Hilary, Obama, and McCain have all come to high schools, town meetings, and public ralleys within this small town just to talk to voters. As a high school senior, with my first election in 2008, it was an incredibly empowering time. I registered to vote in my Social Justice class, went to campaign talks, and saw the candidates in person. Turning 18 years old really was a life milestone – I finally had a real-life power. To vote.
What about you? Have you registered??
Quick caveat: some voting laws have recently changed in Pennsylvania. They are now requiring each voter to have a photo ID. This is sparking a new wave of controversy since some religious groups cannot be photographed and college students do not have expirations on their student IDs. Without photo identification, a voter can only cast a provisional ballot which may not be deemed valid. We want to make Every. Vote. Count.
What to do before election day??
1.) Make sure you are eligible to vote:
- • You MUST be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the next primary, special, municipal, or general election.
- • You MUST be a resident of Pennsylvania and the election district in which you want to register and vote for at least 30 days before the next primary, special, municipal, or general election.
- • You MUST be at least 18 years of age on or before the day of the next primary, special, municipal, or general election.
2.) Register to Vote
3.) Get a photo ID – drivers’ license, passport, student/military ID, employee ID, or another acceptable option. Make sure they are NOT expired.
4.) For out of state Students or Residents: Apply for a Civilian Absentee Ballot BY OCTOBER 30th here!
5.) Do Your Research: Know Who Is Running
- Too many times students only know the platforms of the presidential candidates. The Governor, House Representatives, Senators, State Senators, local mayor, and local government have an incredible amount of power enacting laws. Remember “I’m Just a Bill” by Schoolhouse Rock? Well, they had it right. These other candidates represent your community’s views. Make sure you are represented! You can even bring in a list of candidates and a list of key issues/proposals on the ballot.
6.) Find the closest registered place to vote near you
Your vote matters for EVERY state, so make sure it counts. Visit your state’s voting page and register to vote, get up to date on state procedures, and prepare yourself to make a big difference in the world.
And, most importantly, (W)ROCK THE VOTE!
Lisa
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Emily,
Great post, and good for you! I have a few more elections under my belt, having just turned 50 last week (woo hoo!), and have repeatedly seen how true it is that every vote counts, and every vote should be counted. It’s wonderful to see the sense of civic responsibility renewed with each new generation of “kids.” Sorry, your only a couple years younger than my son, so to me, you’re a kid, but that’s a good thing. Kids change the world – believe it!
When I was your age, I was sure I could change the world, and in some ways, I did, and for the better. My parents were both very attentive to politics, having grown up in the depression and WWII. They taught me something that I think has been forgotten: our political decisions really do mean life or death to millions of people. We abdicate that responsibility.
When I was your age, most people I came across told me that I couldn’t change things. I was a newspaper reporter for about 12 years, and it was disheartening when my dad, the guy who most inspired me to work for my ideals, used to tell me that I couldn’t “fight City Hall.” It finally occurred to me that not only could I, I got paid to
. The beauty of youth is that you don’t know that you can’t accomplish change, and as a result, you just do it. So it’s kids who change the world. One of the simplest ways to do that should be with a single vote.
I hope this gives you some encouragement when the world tells you that you can’t do what you have a mind to. Remember, the idea in your head is only there because it’s possible. So work for it. And in the meantime, you’ve inspired me, and I’ll be working for it, too. Maybe at 50, I can still work a little change.
“You’re the young one’s now,” (a little movie quote) but some of us old farts haven’t given up. Let us know how we can help!
Best regards, and best of luck!
Lisa