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Why is it important to vote?

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By Melissa R. Collum

 

According to the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) as of August 2022 there were 3,468,390 registered voters in the state. This figure represents roughly three-quarters of the state’s adult population. This is the highest number of registered votes for a midterm election since the 2016 general election, with 3.48 million   Wisconsinites registered to vote. There are three factors that political commentators believe will influence the upcoming election. 

Gender. The WEC does not collect information on gender, race, or political party affiliation of registered voters. The  KFF, a national non-profit health policy organization, has shown that more women throughout the country are reporting that they are more motived to vote than in previous elections. Nationally, women have voted at higher rates in every presidential election since 1984. 

Aging Voters. As of 2022, voters aged 50-64 comprise about 940,000 registered voters, but residents ages 65 and older make up about 970,000 voters. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services the population of Wisconsin  citizens over the age of 65 has increased by 10% since 2012. 

Younger Voters. A greater number of young people, are registering to vote. As of Aug. 1 there are 275,649 people aged 18-24 who were registered to vote in Wisconsin. The highest level for a mid-term election was 266,869 in 2014. 

It is not enough to register to vote, one actually needs to go to the polls and cast a ballot. In the weeks leading up to the elections, random people in the community will be asked the following question “Why is it important to vote?” Here is sampling of Prairie du Chien and surrounding residents responses:

 

The future; not only for our youth, but looking forward for all of us. We need to know how, exactly, we can shape the future but we need to follow up . If you don’t vote, you don’t have a voice. If you really want to be a part of change, however that may look, no matter what party you are in, you need to actually get your self to the polls, and take a stance on how you feel our country should be run. 

Bob M.

I think that if people care about what government is doing, they need to vote. Secondly, it is our right to vote for the people to represent us. If we don’t do it, who knows what we will get. Voting is important to do. 

Bob S. 

The reason why I vote is that many Americans lost their lives giving us the right to vote. I have never missed a vote, I don’t care if it is just for the School Superintendent of Wis. When you are 18 you should go vote - it is your civic duty to go vote. A lot of people have lost their lives for us to have this freedom. To be able to decide on who we want as a president, who we want as a mayor, or the town chairman, city council, or school board, that is the main reason why people should vote. The young people need that education because they are the future of the community. 

Chad A.

I feel it is your civic responsibility to have a voice in things. The other reason is that a lot of people like to complain about things. If you do not  want to get involved and do anything about it, then you do not have any right to complain. If you can not even go and vote you don’t have a right to complain.

Dave H. 

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