By The Springfield Student Staff
In perhaps the most important midterm election in recent history, the Democratic party fended off a Republican takeover in the Senate while the GOP held onto a small majority in the House. In what was forecasted to be a “red wave,” the results of the midterm elections surprised many when the polls proved to be incorrect as Republicans lost many key Senate races in states like Pennsylvania and Nevada.
In the battleground state of Georgia, Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker will go to a runoff election on Dec. 6 as neither candidate was able to secure the required majority of the votes, the third Georgia senate runoff in just two years.
The dominant issues that mattered to voters were inflation, abortion rights, and cracking down on crime. Members of the Springfield Student staff wanted to gauge the opinions of the Springfield students and faculty, so we asked several people on campus if they voted and why it was significant for them.
“In recent years, voting has become more important to me than ever. Roe vs. Wade was overturned; the federal government no longer protects women’s bodies from controlling legislation. I am married to a woman, and there are efforts to overturn marriage equality. Of course, a central tenet of feminism has always been that the personal is political, but right now, politics feel incredibly personal.” -Anne Wheeler, Professor, Massachusetts
“Democracy is not a spectator sport. As imperfect and fragile as our democracy is, it still functions best when citizens participate. Young people, in particular, are needed to help us find a better future – that ‘more perfect union.’”- Marty Dobrow, Professor, Massachusetts
“It’s important to participate in voting in making our democracy work in the United States of America. Not voting and ‘not being a political person’ is also a political stance — people don’t realize that. So I take the stance that voting matters, as it’s one of the few ways we can democratically let governments know what we stand for. So that’s why I voted!” – Fadia Nordtveit, Professor, Massachusetts
“I voted because it is so important to have your voice heard, whether it be in your community, or within the world. Voting for what you believe in could change the world, and or community, making it a better place. Every vote counts whether you believe it or not.” -Jake Polites, Freshman, Connecticut
“I voted because I feel it is important to express your opinion through elections, especially when there are drastic changes to be made by politicians. You never know when the results come down to a handful of votes.” -Reese Merritt, sophomore, Maine
“I voted in this past election because I believe it is important to exercise your voice. It is your right to have a say about what happens in our country.” -Paige Alexander, first year, Virginia
Photo: WBUR News