We Be Illin'

In 2007, the United States ranked 139^th in voter participation out of 172 world democracies. That’s right - 139^th place. If voting is a basic indicator of democratic health, what does 139^th place say about our democratic well-being?  To quote Run D.M.C. – we be illin’.

How might you help fix what ails us?

• Register To Vote if you have not already done so.  For the Presidential election, you must register to vote by October 31. Registration forms are available at your CCV center and at your Town Clerk’s office.

• Get Educated.  Don’t let your neighbors or the pundits make up your mind for you.  Check out Project Vote Smart to learn the candidate’s biographies, voting records, issue positions, ratings, speeches, and campaign finance information. All politicians. Instantly.  The U.S. News & World Report says Vote Smart would make the U.S. Founders “weep with joy” and the Indianapolis Star contends the project “may be the most useful voter information project in the country.”  You might also want to check out the Campus Election Engagement Project's nonpartisan 2012 Presidential Election Voter Guide, which concisely summarizes the candidates' positions on major issues, drawing on the work  Project Vote Smart has done on their candidate guides and rounded out with their own research.

• Hit the Polls on November 6. Registering to vote is a great step, but you have to follow through with the deed to make a difference.  Be sure to bring an ID to your polling location.

We’re curious – are you planning to vote?  Let us know.

Navigating the News

by Alisha Leu

Student Services Intern, Community College of Vermont

As the election draws nearer, the need to be an informed citizen grows more critical. If learning where candidates stand on issues seems overwhelming, that’s understandable, because navigating the many news outlets, the multiple pundit viewpoints, and the countless campaign ads can be difficult.

Today, most American media outlets offer a biased perspective. So, what do you do? Diversify your sources.  Use a variety of media sources that cover the full range of the political spectrum. Hopefully, you will find some consistencies in the facts presented, and you can develop your own well-rounded and informed viewpoint.

As someone who cares deeply about the political process, I can’t stress enough the importance of being informed. Politics can be very frustrating at times, but at the end of the day, being engaged in this process is the lifeline of our democracy. As President Abraham Lincoln said in his famous Gettysburg Address, we are a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” And we can’t have a government “of the people” if the people are interested, informed, and vocal.  Let your vote be your voice.

If  you’re looking for a list of diverse news outlets, check out the Doing Democracy display at your CCV academic center, and while you’re there, pick up a voter registration form!

Who's Who Running for Office

by Alisha Leu

Student Services Intern, Community College of Vermont

In mere weeks, on Tuesday, November 6, Americans and Vermonters will take to the polls to pave our path for the next four years. There are some big offices up for election, headlined by the Presidential race. The Presidential race makes any election appear to be bigger or more important, but the truth is, each and every time we are asked to go to the polls, voting is equally as important! In addition to the national offices, including one US Senate seat and the US Representative, state and local officials are up for re-election, too.

In an effort to be an educated voter, here is a cheat sheet that will inform you of what offices are up for election, who is running (including who the incumbent is) and a brief description of what each office does. Before you head to the polls, review the list and do a little research on the candidates to make sure that you vote for the candidate that you feel will best represent your views. Remember, every vote truly does count, so make your vote your voice this November.  And be sure to answer our poll - do you plan to vote in the upcoming elections?

President/ Vice-President- The President is the head of Government and Commander in Chief of the United States. The President is responsible for executing the laws; convening and adjourning Congress; and appointing federal executive, diplomatic and judicial officers. They are elected to a 4-year term. The Vice-President is elected on the same ticket as the President. The Vice-President serves as the President of the Senate and casts the tie-breaking vote if necessary. They are first in the Presidential line of succession and would ascend the Presidency in the event of a sitting President leaving office for any reason.

            Barack Obama/ Joe Biden (D) Incumbent

            Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan (R)

US Senate (Bernie Sanders seat)- Represents the people of Vermont in the US Senate. The primary responsibilities include debating prominent issues; voting on bills, resolutions and treaties; and confirming appointments of cabinet members. Each term is 6 years.

            John MacGovern (R)

Bernie Sanders (D) Incumbent

Representative to Congress- Represent the people of Vermont in the House of Representatives. Their primary duties are to introduce bills and resolutions and vote on bills presented to the house. They are elected to a 2-year term.

            Mark Donka (R)

            Peter Welch (D) Incumbent