CHLOE KOWALYK
Special to The Leader
Nov. 3 marks the date of the 2020 U.S. general election, and students need to vote now more than ever.
SUNY Fredonia has fully equipped its students to get involved and informed.
Fredonia’s own American Democracy Project, chaired by Dr. Angela McGowan-Kirsch, aims to educate students on voting and politics and engage them in civic issues.
The ADP has created several on-campus and virtual events for all Fredonia students to attend. These events include watch parties, voter campaign drives and a discussion on Constitution Day.
McGowan-Kirsch said that “student’s voices will not be heard if they do not vote.”
Only 41% of all Fredonia students voted in the 2016 general election.
“It’s disheartening,” McGowan-Kirsch said. “What does that mean for the future of our democracy?”
To get more topics such as college tuition, job opportunities and the economy on the table again, students need to vote.
That way, ideas presented in Congress will be more beneficial to us, rather than the senior citizens who have been active voters in every election.
Another way to get involved is to join the Fredonia Democracy Initiative.
The FDI is a non-partisan club open to all students who wish to learn more and get involved in politics.
In recent years, the FDI has had guest speakers, taken a trip to Albany, met with state lawmakers and even had lobbying events. This year, however, most events will be virtual to keep students safe.
FDI president, Tom Sheffield believes that all students should be involved in the voting process.
“You can be in your own little bubble and think that it doesn’t affect you… [voting and politics] are a part of everything. It doesn’t matter what you do,” Sheffield said.
For example, voting can impact funding, education quality, policies in place and jobs lost from the pandemic.
Other students have been buzzing about the upcoming election.
Senior Tim Snider said, “I think we are at a time when it’s important now more than ever to vote. Not only are we voting for the next president of the United States, we are voting for the direction in which we want our country to go.”
They added that “exercising a person’s right to vote is one of the basic rights that this country was founded upon. There are many people around the world that don’t have the liberties and freedoms that we as United States citizens take for granted.”
Acting on your right to vote is so crucial, especially when considering the movements and protesting for rights that women and Black Americans have fought for.
Freshman Kelly Aguilar said that she plans to get involved with the election-themed events this semester.
Aguilar said that the events this semester are “a great opportunity for [students] to understand what it’s like hearing candidates and making their own decisions.”
She believes that every student has a “voice that deserves to be heard” and that her classmates should act on that.
Voter registration closes on Friday, Oct. 9 this year. For any additional information or assistance when registering to vote, visit ADP’s information page.
To get involved with the FDI, you can contact tsheffield@fredonia.edu or follow their Instagram @fredemocracy and fill out the Google form in their bio.
The ADP can be contacted via mcgowan@fredonia.edu and on Facebook and Twitter. A list of their events can be found down below.
When it comes to your voting power, Sheffield said, “Keep fighting the fight.”
Sept. 17, 4 p.m. – Constitution Day virtual speaking engagement
Sept. 22 – National Voter Registration Day registration drive, time & location TBD
Sept. 29, 9 p.m. – Presidential debate watch party via Zoom
Oct. 7, 9 p.m. – Vice presidential watch party via Zoom
Oct. 9 – Voter registration postmarked by
Oct. 15, 9 p.m. – Presidential debate watch party via Zoom
Oct. 22, 9 p.m. – Presidential debate watch party via Zoom
Oct. 27 – Absentee ballot application due
Nov. 3, 8 p.m. – Election Day/election night results watch party via Zoom