Public apathy apparent in elections

by Tim Tevault
Editorial Director

Last semester, a bright young scholar decided to write a column about the apathy that exists on this campus. This fine young man was able to articulate his feelings into a newspaper that ­ in all reality ­ probably did not even hit more than a few of his fellow students' eyes.

Ironically, these were the same students he was talking about in his column; the ones who do not read the newspaper, attend campus events or even care about anything concerning the welfare of the University. This writer was me.

Several months and an Election Day later, this same writer is back with one question in mind: What happened to all of the voters?

This year the California election had one of the lowest voter turnouts in history. Because of this, I am left to question if the election results are even accurate? If everyone in California were to sit down and actually do their research on the major candidates and what they stood for, would the results have been different? I must admit that I am guilty of not researching my facts but I know enough to cast a responsible vote. However, I am in the minority of the population who actually voted.

What is even sadder is the fact that California has the biggest celebrity population. These are people who can really influence the way people think about an issue. But do any of Hollywood's finest come out of their million dollar homes and actually spend some of that "hard-earned" cash on supporting a proposition or a particular candidate?

There are the rare exceptions like republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, who openly voiced his support for Proposition 49 which was passed. Hopefully some of Tinseltown's other starlets will follow in this man's path and help support the democratic system.

I also wonder what ever happened to the Rock the Vote campaign during the '90s. I felt that this was a crucial element in getting the younger generation to vote. Whenever I go to a polling place, the volunteers always comment how great it is to see a young, fresh face in there with them. I find this sad that it is so obvious to other generations that young people do not care about their leaders.

Celebrities aside, it is ourselves we have to blame for this apathy in the government. Why are people not interested at all in politics and voting? I think it is because people are not seeing immediate results from these politicians.

In today's society, people need quick response and not something that takes weeks, months, and even years to pass. This is not to say it is the politicians' fault, but it is a result of today's fast-paced, go-go-go society.

Unfortunately, the general public can not get it through their thick skull how lucky they are to actually have a choice in electing their leaders. Our democratic system is one of the most complex in the world, but it is also one of the most organized.

They take it for granted how easy it is to elect a president, governor or representative. It also, in a way, is disrespectful to the candidates because they put a lot of hard work and effort into their campaigns. When the public completely ignores the election, it seems as though all of their struggles and hard work was for nothing ­ it is worse than losing.

All things said, I digress. For now, it is back to the old day job of school and work for this bright, young scholar. But wherever apathy rears its ugly head, trust me ­ I will be there to scrutinize it.

Tim Tevault, a junior journalism major, is editorial director of the Campus Times. He can be reached by e-mail at hellag33@aol.com.