The time to vote in the New Hampshire primary has arrived. Many Americans are feeling disheartened by the candidates. A large number of people are undecided because there is a growing distrust of the American political system. Dirty campaign ads have only deterred more people from voting. Although many of us feel like we should not waste our time thinking about or listening to a group of men who are racing to get our votes, it behooves us to take an active role in politics.
The political picture is taking on a distorted image. The political spectrum is being overshadowed by the liberal and conservative extremes, which actually make up only approximately 30 percent of the votes. Non-activists are fed up with the partisan politics and the mudslinging, and there is a growing sense of frustration and despair. One student who polls potential voters in New Hampshire said that many people told her that they hated a certain candidate, and therefore were not going to vote for him, but they never gave a reason for their beliefs, and they did not know who to vote for instead. She wanted to ask why, but was not allowed to ask any questions. Unfortunately, apathy among voters is growing. However, there are ways that people can fight back, make themselves heard, and possibly change the face of American politics.
Real change usually starts at the grass-roots level, with the people, not with the lobbyists or the government. It is very hard for us to believe that we can make a difference, that we can actually change American politics, but it has been proven to be possible. Restrictive laws against lobbyists and donations have also widened the possibilities for constituents. First of all, it is important to attend rallies, debates and meetings in order to know what it is about a candidate that one likes or dislikes and to see what kind of person the candidate is. It is good to see how a person reacts under pressure, how they react to questions, and how they respect opinions and suggestions other than their own. Secondly, talk to others, neighbors, friends, and strangers to discuss the candidates and issues which you find pertinent to the upcoming election, and which may or may not be on the candidate's agenda. Two important mediums for discussion and information about the candidates are radio talk shows and the Internet. Not only are these excellent ways to learn about the candidates, but one can network to find others who have the same concerns and questions.
According to "Rock the Vote," 80 percent of eligible youth did not vote in 1994. It is terrible that more young people do not make their voices heard. Often we think that politics does not affect us, that we are invincible, that those candidates are too old, too out of touch and they could never represent us. The younger generation seems to be short-sighted. We are focusing on immediate gratification instead of long-term gain. I have heard many Dartmouth students voicing their frustrations about the candidates, saying that they don't know who to vote for. We take for granted the power of voting. The important aspect of the primary is not necessarily the candidate who you choose, but rather the fact that you are exercising your right to vote and fulfilling your duty as a U.S. citizen. Saturday in Keene, N.H., President Clinton said that one vote can really make a difference and that the job of US citizens is to vote. We need to become investigators and then use our knowledge to participate in the political process. I have overheard some students saying that they will write in "Mickey Mouse" instead of choosing one of the candidates. Although I understand the reasoning behind this decision, it might be better to try to vote in the primary for the platform of the candidate who you see as the most open to suggestions and change. Then, between now and the presidential election, try to influence that candidate.
Hopefully, we, the younger generation, will take an active role this year in politics. This may be through voting, attending rallies, listening to radio talk shows, surfing the Internet, or organizing local or national groups to advocate a specific issue. Do not put it off, thinking that you'll get to it tomorrow, next week, or maybe the next election. Act today before time runs out!
