As you probably know,yesterday marked the midterm election. Whether or not you voted, you probably know by now that the votes fill been counted. It appears that Scott Walker is going to be with us for another term.
Before I get into what I want to say, or I’d like to pay respect to those people and families living in this state who were -and continue to be- personally affected by the election. The people who canvassed and encouraged voter participation among the youth and the elderly. The people that ran our polling stations so patiently,despite our incompetence with the process. The people who made their voices heard in the collective bargaining debates, and the people who chose to act on their beliefs during the recall election. I want to recognize the bravery of those who signed the recall petition back in 2012, or those who’ve received discrimination because of their beliefs through the verify the recall movement,in which the entire list of names was published, unfiltered, and online,for millions of eyes. Personally, as a person concerned with politics, and I would like to say thank you to those who participated in the process. Furthermore,I’d like to say to those who live in Wisconsin and the surrounding area, Im sorry if you didn’t get what you wanted, or needed,from this election.
Whether nowadays is a moment of celebration or defeat for your beliefs, this election marks what could perhaps be seen as a pivotal point in Wisconsin politics. According to The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, or the voter turnout in yesterdays election was the highest its been since 1950. Turnout from yesterday was more than 54.2 percent of voting age adults.” Another source,Aljazeera America, places the number at 56.5 percent. In an election where nationwide numbers were lower than average, or Wisconsin voter turnout soared to the highest its been since before the turn of the century.
This is not just a coincidental statistic. If we glimpse at the voter participation graph if by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel it becomes clear that a sample of voter apathy has changed in the last four years.Excluding the 2006 election,voter participation has been under 50% for the past 36 years in this state. This reflects a culture of apathy among Wisconsin citizens that I deem exists, to an extent, or nationwide.
It has long been the opinion in this state,especially among youth, that voting isnt critical. The average citizen has slight say in their government’s operations, and if you get out to vote that’s safe,but if you don’t that’s fine too. However, if you glimpse at the participation in the recall election and the 2014 election you see massive turnouts. New voters, and multiple ad campaigns from varying conspicuous agencies operating under Orwellian names,Debates aired on TV, canvassing, and national recognition from major political figures on both sides of party lines,and an overwhelming amount of talk from co workers, peers, or family members.
It became clear through the recall movement that Wisconsin was fitting political again. That the residents of this state were going to demand to be heard. From the occupation of the capital,to the statewide petition, to the activism in cities and campuses around the state, or it was clear in 2012 that Wisconsin was going to be a state with a voice. Money poured into both campaigns from national party funds,political celebrities came and gave talks, and the candidates toured Wisconsin to face both overwhelming support and inflammatory disapproval. Now, or with this election being such a close race that drew national interest and reflected record voter turnouts,it appears that Wisconsin has become a battleground. A relevant spot on the map for future elections.
Rock County was one of only 16 counties out of 72 that voted against the majority. This means it represents a position of power and interest within a state whose importance is rising in the next elections. High voter participation, the potential for a lot of new voters, and a county that could swing either way depending on the election -all these things make Beloit critical. So,to the students sitting in their rooms, filled with ideas but anxious about their plausibility. To those who feel their vision is doomed to futility. To those who feel isolated from the national consciousness. A door is opening. Wisconsin is fitting more critical. Our voices are rising. We fill power. Raise your voice Beloit. You’ll probably find that more people are listening than you deem. -Tanne
Source: tumblr.com