AT ISSUE: We focus too much on the presidential election, and not enough on to senate or governor races.
By now, we know that Donald Trump is president. We also know that some Americans are likely unhappy about this turnout.
But before you post an angry rant on Facebook, answer this: How well did you execute your civic duty as an American citizen?
Did you vote in the primaries?
A Pew Research Center study found that about 28 percent of eligible voters voted in the primaries. The Republican voter turnout was the highest since at least 1980 at 14.8 percent, and the Democratic voter turnout — which is usually higher than the Republican turnout — came in at 14.4 percent.
While these numbers are relatively high compared with previous voter turnouts, it’s not ideal. We as citizens can strive for higher voter turnouts for the future — and not just in presidential elections.
Though you may not fully support our new president and his views, don’t let that keep you up at night for the next four years.
Our government was specially designed to avoid giving one person too much power. If you're worried about what Donald Trump may or may not do as president, know this: drastic changes in our laws cannot happen without the approval of Congress.
While it’s important to know whom you're voting for president, it's equally as important to know whom you're voting into congress.
Did you follow the Indiana senate race?
In the Daily News’ election poll of 1,000 Ball State community members, 162 either said they were “not voting” or skipped the question regarding the Indiana Senate race altogether.
And according to Rutgers, there has been a recent rise in emphasis on state politics, making “the states’ governors key actors in the American political system today.”
Did you follow the Indiana governor race?
Again a fair amount of participants in our poll, 157 people, answered “not voting” or skipped the question about the Indiana Governor race.
You are more directly affected by the government that is closest to you — your local council members, your state representatives, your governor — than by the individual president. That's why it's so important to be informed about all candidates on the ballot, not just presidential candidates.
You might be upset about the outcome of this election, but if you are one who neglected to vote — or who chose to vote uninformed — for your local and state governmental positions, you shouldn’t complain, because you had your chance. You shouldn’t complain about how your taxes are dispersed in the community. You shouldn’t complain about whether your state has legalized marijuana or not. You shouldn’t complain about your local representative misrepresenting what you believe and want.
As a millennial, you make up a shared majority of the eligible voter demographic, according to a Pew Research Center study. If you want to ensure a better future for your community and for your country, you must recognize the importance and impact of all elections. While you may have just completed your first official voting ballot, that doesn't mean your civic duty has been fulfilled.
When the next election rolls around — be it for your hometown’s mayor or for a new Indiana senator — take the time to research each candidate. Be an informed voter and begin to make a tangible difference in your community.
As a young voter, you have many elections ahead of you. You are an important role in deciding the fate of this society.
It’s your future; be a part of it.
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