Local voters will cast ballots for candidates Ken Welch or Robert Blackmon in St. Petersburg’s mayoral election on Nov. 2.
Courtesy of Douglas Cox | The Crow’s Nest
By Laura Shaw
Voting is not something everyone prioritizes, or even thinks about until the presidential election rolls around, but, in reality, the effects of voting can be seen all around us.
Students go to a state school, abide traffic laws when driving, work minimum wage jobs and in many other ways are impacted by policy implemented by local, state and federal politicians voted in by the people they serve: us.
The 2020 election was broadcasted and publicized like no other election seen before.
The election generated conflict in all aspects of everyday life, with voters juggling dozens of different opinions from the candidates, the media and strangers on the internet.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2020 presidential election saw the highest voter turnout of the 21st century, but despite that fact, only 66.8% of citizens voted.
Furthermore, very few people who participate in the presidential election vote down their ballot to the other elections. Smaller elections such as state house, senate, city council and mayor are largely ignored.
This failure to participate in local elections creates a class of elected politicians that do not represent the needs and wants of the people they are serving.
A government that stands for the true beliefs of America cannot be achieved until Americans actively participate in elections.
Registering to vote is as easy as pulling out your driver’s license, going online and spending five minutes to utilize your right as an American.
Among the most important local elections is the mayoral race, which takes place on Nov. 2 between St. Petersburg candidates Robert Blackmon, a registered republican and Ken Welch, a registered democrat.
The consequences of an election are important to consider; this election could directly impact student lives and educations for years to come.
If you disagree with someone that is elected, vote them out, if you want to see a change in policy, contact your representatives.
Don’t be afraid to be the Karen in the grocery store when standing up to Ron Desantis or Rick Scott because, although they are in a position of power, politicians work for us and their salaries are paid by our tax dollars.
And whether or not they have a job next term is determined by us.
Laura Shaw is a freshman political science major at USF St. Petersburg.
