Georgetown students might come to Washington to learn the art of governing, but that doesn’t mean they should forget about their homefront politics. On Nov. 7, several important Congressional races could lead to major changes in our nation’s domestic and foreign policy. At this pivotal juncture in American politics, it is imperative that Georgetown students register to vote and send in their absentee ballots.
33 Senate seats and all 435 seats in the House are up for grabs in less than a month, and, for most states, there is still time to register if you haven’t done so already. There’s no excuse not to—all you have to do is Google your state’s registration forms, print them out and mail them in before the deadline. But even if the process were more demanding, it would be worth the effort. In a political climate as charged as this one, with Iraq in turmoil, North Korea exploding nuclear weapons, the war on terror dragging on and gay marriage and abortion rights being debated here at home, voting is more important than ever.
Whether you’re from the East Coast, the West Coast, the Midwest or the South, close races abound this November, and many of the most heavily publicized ones are happening in places that plenty of Hoyas call home. In Pennsylvania, Democrat Bob Casey will attempt to unseat Senate Republican Rick Santorum, the man probably best known among college students for being ruthlessly mocked by sex columnist Dan Savage. Closer to Georgetown, Senate Republican George Allen (of the infamous “macaca” incident) will try to defend his seat against a challenge from Democrat Jim Webb. And of course, Connecticut residents get to take sides in the showdown between anti-war advocate Ned Lamont and independent candidate Joseph Lieberman.
It’s true that the absentee voting process—not to mention the Georgetown mail delivery system—is imperfect, and registering to vote may not guarantee that your vote will actually be counted in your home state. The absentee voting process puts people who move around frequently, including students who switch residences every year, at a disadvantage because the chances of securing a ballot amidst a sea of change-of-address forms are relatively low. If this quasi-disenfranchisement makes you mad, good. It should. Turn that frustration around and vote for a candidate you think will help reform voting regulations. Don’t let minor speedbumps bump you off of the fast track to political progress.
Registering on time is crucial for ensuring your best chance at a ballot. Flawed as the system may be, if you don’t even bother to register, then you’ll have no chance at all. It’s time to stop being cynical about the electoral process and do our duty. Vote left, vote right—the direction doesn’t matter as long as you don’t let the distance stop you. Just vote absentee to make your voice heard.
