Voting can be a daunting task. Many 18 to 25-year-olds are often uninterested in voting.
Leah Murray, a political science professor at Weber State University, said that some young people don’t feel welcome participating in the American government. She said that she wants young people to be a part of it.
“The United States is a democracy. That means we the people are sovereign, that every elected official has to answer to their constituents. The way that we do democracy in this country is voting,” Murray said.
The process of becoming a voter is easier than one would think.
“The first thing you’re going to do is register with the county clerk. In the state of Utah, you could legit register on Tuesday on election day … So you’re not too late to register,” Murray said.
Murray explains that once you’re registered to vote, you will be sent a mail-in ballot if there is an election.
“Then, when you get the ballot, you take a look at it, decide who you think would be the right person to be in office for you in your city or your state, or your country, based on what election you’re doing,” Murray said.
On Weber’s Ogden Campus, there is a ballot box right outside the east entrances of the Shepherd Union building, where you can drop off your filled-out ballot.
“You can put that ballot into that ballot box. We will pick it up and bring it to the county clerk on Tuesday evening at eight o’clock,” Murray said.
The way you vote — especially in a Municipal Election — can directly affect your community.
“Is there a pothole on your street, and is it going to get filled? The municipal government is going to manage that. Is your secondary water going to cost money or not? The municipal election is going to handle that,” Murray said.
T. Chase Smith, a member of the Republican Club on campus, said that your vote can affect your personal goals.
“All of us are going to school because we want to live a better life, and we want school to be affordable,” Smith said. “One way that we can help schools to be affordable is by electing officials or voting on referendums or initiatives that help with getting an affordable education.”
Because of the direct impact voting can cause in your daily life, many find it important to stay informed and to find correct and current information.
Weber has many places to find information about voting and getting help to learn more. The college political clubs, either republican or democratic, can both provide resources to students.
“I think if students want to know more, come talk to us. We have the information. We can tell you what’s going on. We can guide you to the resources that you need in order to stay informed, to get registered to vote, or to vote,” Smith said.
There is also a Weber website, Voter Tools, that students can look through, which provides good base information and helps steer students into accurate information.
“Get yourself registered. Get yourself voting. You’re invited to this Republic. We want you to be a part of it. Just please show up,” Murray said.
