“I remember being very excited to finally vote,” said Andre Audette, professor of political science at Monmouth College. The midterm elections are coming up, with in-person voting ending on Nov. 8.
Students can register to vote on election day or with the help of Audette, “If students are registering to vote in Illinois, unfortunately the deadline has passed for online registration, but I’m certainly happy to help students.” Students who are not voting in person can request absentee ballots. Students on campus will vote at West Central Head Start, 321 E Euclid Ave on election day. “Elizabeth Smith in the ACE is coordinating rides to the polling place,” said Audette. “Students can get in touch with her and get more information about how to get to the polls on election day.”
According to Audette, becoming an informed voter is important but finding information can feel difficult, “One thing I recommend that everyone does is know what’s on their ballot and find a sample ballot.” Sample ballots can be received by going to the county website where students are voting. Other websites where voters can find information about the candidates are on ballotpedia.org or directly from candidate’s websites.
Voting for the first time can seem daunting, but it is simple. “It's a very easy process and procedure,” said Audette. “Unlike some states where you might see people waiting in line for three hours to vote, in Monmouth your kind of in and out in five to ten minutes.” Voters will be handed a ballot and will be brought to a private voting booth where they can make their decisions. After they have filled out the ballot, they bring it back to the election workers. Even if voters are not informed about all candidates, that should not stop them from voting. “If there are certain races that you simply know nothing about, and you don’t feel comfortable voting in those races, you can leave it blank. Your ballot will still count,” said Audette
“Young people have notoriously low voting rates and I think that’s unfortunate because you are the future of the country,” said Audette. It is important for people to vote so they can contribute to democracy and to feel represented in their country, Audette said, “There’s no way to be represented in the political system unless you make your voice heard.” Getting started early in voting can form positive voting habits, “There is a lot of political science research that [says] voting is a habit. Once you do it the first time, people are more likely to do it again in the future, so why not start early,” said Audette.
Nov. 9 at 4pm in CSB 278 there will be a post-election analysis held by professor Audette where students can share their voting experience and what the election results will mean for the state.
Karli Strom - Guest Writer