Voters determine fate of country
Campus Times
September 25, 1998
cartoon by Stephanie Lesniak
Voting should not be viewed as a burden, nor as something that we do
to "follow our parents." It should be taken seriously, on an individual
basis, with personal opinion, and with pride. After all, it is our right
and privilege as a democratic nation to practice freedom and to help make
the decisions of determining exactly who is in control.
With the 105th Congress winding down, the 1998 election year is upon
us. And as in all election years, the decisions which are made by the voters
are very important.
This year, the positions in Congress and the Senate could determine
the fate of the country. If a majority rules, President Bill Clinton could
either remain in office for the remainder of his term, or he could undergo
impeachment procedures to end his term sooner than expected. It depends
on which party, Republican (R) or Democrat (D), holds majority.
But the race to control the Senate and Congress initially begins here
in California. Several of the top races in California include those for
the position of governor and senate.
Gov. Pete Wilson, who was first elected in 1990, is ineligible for a
third term as a result of voter-imposed term laws. Therefore, Lt. Gov. Gray
Davis, a Democrat, will face off against State Attorney General Dan Lungren,
Republican, in the race for the position of California's governor.
As for the state's senate race, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D), who was first
elected in 1992, is seeking to pursue a second term in office. At the same
time, however, treasurer Matt Fong (R) will try to unseed her as the opponent
for this position.
Aside from the decisions voters are asked to make on state representatives,
they must make decisions dealing with new propositions as well. This year,
Proposition 5 is the most glamorized proposition in the state.
If the majority vote is in favor of the proposition, Indians would be
allowed to continue their gaming on reservation lands. On the other hand,
if the vote is made primarily in opposition to the matter, the Indian gaming
would be limited almost to a point of nothing at all.
According to our Constitution however, Indian land is considered to
be foreign soil. So, if it is not passed, the entire proposition may be
deemed unconstitutional.
In order to be eligible to vote, an individual must be at least 18 years
of age and must also be currently registered under the nation's address.
Although some people believe one vote will really not make a difference
in determining the result of an election, it is, in fact, the best way to
voice an opinion about the government and its issues. Considering the fact
that California has had a voter turnout of about 50 percent in the last
few years, every vote is important.
Imagine what would happen if 80 to 90 percent of the eligible voters
turned out to cast their ballots. Although the races may not be different,
a lesser degree of doubt would be left in the decisions which are made.
But if the argument is that the voter is not up to speed on the local,
state and national issues, and how these issues relate to politicians, that
person should better educate him or herself by reading the newspaper or
watching or listening to daily news. To read a newspaper completely, from
the front cover to the last, an estimated 30 minutes will be utilized; but,
in that amount of time, an individual can gain awareness of the significant
issues which occur within the nation or the world.
