Article by Natasha Forgie, BuzzStaff Writer
Voting Polls in Rogalski during the 2024 election. Photo Courtesy of Jessica Vargas
St. Ambrose University’s freshmen are preparing to set out for the polls for their very first time, on Tuesday, Nov. 3. For this class, choosing to vote is not just performing their civic duty, but a direct response they choose to take to make their voices heard.
Polls are showing hotly contested races in Iowa for governor, the US House and Senate, as well as local elections. Nationally, it’s a race to see which party will control Congress.
Criminal justice major Landon Blanton says rising costs are the main reason he’s even choosing to vote. He says he chose St. Ambrose for its conservative values and says he feels strongly that his vote carries real weight. “The main reason I plan to vote is because of how expensive everything is; it being my first year out in the real world, it’s so hard just buying the basic necessities that I need.”
Blanton says he also believes that first-time voters shouldn’t take their ballots for granted, saying that it’s a civic duty for everyone regardless of their values. “I feel like my vote definitely has a direct impact; anyone who thinks that voting doesn’t matter is just a fool.”
Exercise science major Lacie Rethman, also speaks about the financial push towards voting. She says she’s concerned about how the inability to find a job after moving to college could affect her life.
“The main thing that’s pushing me to vote this year is the cost of everything: groceries, housing, gas. Everything’s so expensive and I know a lot of people say this, but it’s so hard to find a job.”
Rethman says she feels guilty for relying on her parents. “I feel so bad having to rely on my parents when I know this is a time when I should start doing things myself. Voting really gives me some hope that at least that what’s happening right now can change.”
Nursing major Ngun Tial echoes many of the financial concerns, as her daily living costs are her main concerns with this upcoming election. “My number one issue would be grocery costs and gas prices. My vote might not have a huge impact, but it still contributes.”
Brand communication and public relations major Caleb Hergert says he is choosing to vote for a very different reason. He says his choice to vote is his one way to protect his fundamental rights.
“The main reason I’m choosing to vote is because of how many of our rights are being taken away. As someone who is openly gay, I feel like the policies that are being brought up are often directly related to my future.”
Hergert explains how he had to figure out voting all by himself to avoid conflict he would’ve faced with his family. “My family has the complete opposite views from me, so that’s another reason why I need to vote, even though it feels like I’m just cancelling theirs. I know it makes a difference.”
Business major Brooklyn Mau says she views her vote as a ray of hope. “The decision to vote this year is a hope to try and promote change; whether the outcome is good or bad will be one that I guess happens after the election.”
She shares how the lack of political debate on campus makes it a lot easier to vote on what she wants. “I feel like no one around me is talking about elections… Mostly though, people don’t really talk about it so it’s hard to be influenced or embarrassed.”
Nursing major Isabella Rehacek also says she views voting as an opportunity to express her voice. “I feel like the political state we are in right now is something I never really saw growing up, and I want to do anything I can to get my opinions out there.”
