For most of us at Hamilton, November 6th will be the first time we’re eligible to vote in a presidential election. Unfortunately, most Americans, especially young people, do not vote. Election day is just around the corner and the issues discussed in this election will affect us all. It’s time to educate ourselves and exercise our rights by voting. Here are four reasons why the 2012 Presidential Election should matter to you.
1) Jobs:
All of us are at Hamilton because we want to have successful careers. But, even with a Bachelor of Arts degree from one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, getting a job after graduation is no guarantee. The unemployment rate for recent college graduates is about 50%, with few signs that the job market will make a comeback anytime in the near future.
Unemployment rates are at their lowest (7.8%) since President Obama took office in January 2009. President Obama says that if re-elected, he will push for government investment in education and job training to better prepare citizens for jobs. In the debates, he has stressed that he will give tax breaks to domestic businesses to move jobs back to America from overseas.
Governor Romney plans to cut the corporate tax rate and continue the Bush-era tax cuts in the hopes of injecting money into small businesses so they can hire more American workers. Romney has emphasized his success and experience in the private sector, which he believes he can apply to the United States to similarly create jobs.
2) Health care:
Affordable, quality health care is necessary to all young adults and citizens to ensure we are provided medical aid in the event an unexpected health concern arises.
In his first term, President Obama passed the Affordable Heath Care Act, or “Obamacare,” which he says allows people to choose private insurance without being bullied into unaffordable costs by insurance companies. This law has also made it possible for people under the age of 26 to stay on their parents’ health insurance. President Obama says that Obamacare was based off of Romney’s Massachusetts model, which has been successful.
Governor Romney plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act if elected, claiming it limits citizens’ health insurance options while increasing taxes. He also says that increasing numbers of people are being dropped from insurance coverage since Obamacare’s passage. He believes that health care reform is more effective at the state level, where government can better adjust policy its people.
3) Debt and Deficit:
It’s no secret that the national debt is at a record high, currently over $16 trillion. This directly affects college students because it will be our generation that pays for this debt. President Obama has put forward a plan of vigorous government spending over the next decade that will add $11 trillion to the debt held by the public. To make up for this increased debt, the President says he will end the Bush-era tax cuts. He also plans to cut back on wasteful spending across all government agencies.
Romney plans to halt the increasing national debt by reducing government spending. Romney would like to cut any non-critical program from the federal government and send these programs to the states to deal with more efficiently. He plans to combine agencies and cut government workers, while stimulating economic growth. Romney says he can reduce the deficit without raising taxes.
4) Birth Control Policy and Abortion:
Nearly 40% of women say abortion is the most important issue this election year. Given the fact that many young women at Hamilton College are sexually active, this issue should be a priority for female students. In his first term, President Obama mandated that new and renewing health insurance plans must cover birth control for women. With his pro-choice stance on abortion, President Obama has also advocated for federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
Romney holds a pro-life stance on abortion and has opposed the President’s contraception coverage mandate. However, Romney believes abortions laws should be left for the states to regulate. Romney believes that minors must be required to get parental concept to obtain the morning-after pill. Romney is against federal funding for Planned Parenthood, because it provides abortions.
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It is imperative that every student educates herself about the candidates and votes on November 6th. As young voters, not only will we be deciding on our President for the next four years, but we will also be making choices that could potentially affect us for a lifetime. Now, more than ever before, it is important for college students to become engaged in politics so that we can best determine our country’s and generation’s future.
How to Register To Vote
If you are a resident of the United States, most states allow you to register to vote by mail using the National Mail Voter Register form. If your name or address has changed, or if you would like to register with a political party, you may also use this form to update your voter information.
If you are an American citizen living abroad or a member of the military/military family member abroad, follow this link for a step-by-step guide, specific to your situation.
Absentee Voting
Since most of us will not be home for the elections, it’s imparative that you request an absentee ballot. Visit your state’s Secretary of State website to find absentee voting policies and important dates!