Freshmen take sides on major issues for Election 2006
By Rachel Godward, Former Staff Writer
October 7, 2006 | 7:40 p.m.
Every day, a student somewhere on campus sits in front of the television -- not to watch a re-run of “America’s Next Top Model" or another thrilling feat on "Fear Factor," but to watch the news.
Most freshmen either entered Ohio University at voting age or turned 18 during their first quarter, but many have not yet registered to vote. That, however, does not mean they do not wish to have their voices heard.
Many students have expressed viewpoints on several controversial topics, many of which have found a breeding ground on the ever-popular Web site, Facebook. These viewpoints place individuals in certain categories or, rather, political parties. In the upcoming election, many young men and women plan to vote for their supported candidates. But how do OU students feel about such issues? Do they really have a say?
The answer is “yes.” Even students entering college have developed strong stands on controversial topics like abortion, gay-marriage, taxes and the war on terrorism. Through different life experiences, students are able to view such issues more clearly and knowledgeably.
Freshman Jenn Collins, a Democrat, recently registered to vote and plans on exercising her privilege in the upcoming November election.
“I want to make a difference and have my voice heard,” Collins said. “If [gay marriage] makes them happy, they should be able to do it. They are not harming anyone.”
She also feels that same-sex couples should legally be allowed to adopt children, although she personally prefers a child to be brought up by a man and a woman.
“If a gay couple is willing to care for a child, they should not be restricted,” she said. “However, they should go through a screening process, just as straight couples do when adopting a child.”
Many students have had to apply for absentee ballots because they will not be voting from their hometown at the time of elections. The forms are available online or at local election offices two to three weeks prior to the next election. Any student that votes by absentee ballot must submit it well before the polls close to ensure that their vote is counted.
Freshman and Republican Conor Hogan registered to vote by absentee ballot and holds several strong views on recently debated topics.
“I wanted to vote because it was a right given to me by the writer of the Declaration of Independence,” Hogan said.
“And I am a white Anglo-Saxon,” he said jokingly.
Hogan said he believes that every vote counts and that our country as a democracy of people is in control. He opposes the view that government has corrupt secret plans in which they do not count all votes fairly.
Hogan is 19, so he was able to vote in the November 2005 election.
“My father was a judge, so he informed me about pros and cons of each candidate,” Hogan said. “I became informed on all controversial issues as well. I found I concentrated more on the candidate’s stands themselves instead of the party they belonged to, but most ended up being Republican, anyway.”
On the issue of abortion, Hogan believes that there need to be significant restrictions, though it should be allowed in some cases.
“If a female is under 18, she needs to have adult permission if she is going to have an abortion,” he said. “To not have adult consent is just ridiculous. She is a child who made a mistake. Many people forget that adoption is always an option.”
Several students, like Collins and Hogan, have already settled into a political party because most of their views favor one side of the political spectrum. Many, however, are split on certain issues and therefore are neither Republican nor Democrat.
Freshman Lisa Reece considers herself an independent. She plans on registering to vote once she turns 18, which will be this upcoming month. Regarding the issue of gay marriage, Reece makes a poignant observation of our government.
“Politicians say no to gay marriage because it goes against certain religions, but there is freedom of religion in this country so it should be allowed,” she said.
She is split on the issue of abortion, which contributes to her political placement in the independent party. She does, however, have strong views on federal taxes for education and schooling.
“More federal taxes should go towards schools,” she said. “The higher income areas are so well off and inner city schools have horrible programs. It’s just not fair. It should definitely be more equal.”
Freshman Michael Schenk also considers himself to be neither Democrat nor Republican entirely, but more liberal.
“I’m not hardcore one way or the other,” he said. “I don’t want to be labeled. I judge case by case as opposed to by party.”
Schenk registered to vote this summer and wishes to make a difference in the political realm.
“I registered to vote because I didn’t want to be another worthless college student that doesn’t care,” Schenk said. “I want to know what’s going on in the world.”
Growing up, Schenk said, he had very little political influence at home, and he was more affected by his best friend’s father, a Democrat. He contributed significantly to Schenk’s views on politics and war. Although Schenk holds liberal views on war, he also thinks that we must support the current situation that we are in as a nation.
“I have mixed feelings about the war,” he said. “I think we went about it the wrong way. War should be a last resort. We should have got support from other countries before jumping into it, but since we are at war now, we should help out. Otherwise, we are straining the military that we sent over.”
Schenk said he was raised Catholic and that he is opposed to abortion.
"A child may not be in the best situation, but he or she can still move on if they have the skills and determination to do so,” he said. “Just let them live. We don’t know what the future holds."
There are many other political groups that are active within the United States, such as the Libertarian Party. Freshman Alex Levin considers himself to fall under that party, defining it being liberal on social issues and conservative on economic and world issues.
His views on gay couples adopting children are liberal, meaning that he is not opposed to it.
“It doesn’t endanger children. In many cases, straight parents can be worse guardians than same-sex couples,” he said.
He also said that “gay marriage is not the issue but rather being gay is. Christian conservatives have a problem with it just because it’s not what their religion accepts.”
When it comes to the controversial issue of abortion, Levin expressed his pro-choice stance: “That is a woman’s body. She should be allowed to do with it what she wants. Personally, I think it is morally wrong and it should be seriously considered and consented by an adult if the female is under 18, but it is up to her. Men also have a right to say how they feel, too. They contributed to the situation and should definitely have a say. It is right to allow people to choose.”
Students at OU have a diverse set of political views. and many plan to execute their right to vote in the November election. Turning 18 symbolizes adulthood and with that comes an individual’s constitutional rights to make a difference. If you want your voice to be heard, make sure to register to vote.