The 2024 Presidential Election is quickly approaching on November 5. Now, more than ever, it is important to make sure that your voice will be heard. Bay Path University has supported activities to engage students and prepare them for the upcoming election. There are many ways that students could be heard if they take that step.
According to one source, in the 2020 election, 66% of college students voted. Continuing the rise in student voters, students of Bay Path are already on the right track by attending on-campus events. In Wright Hall, a debate watch party was held on September 10, and RAs in both Wright and Bollum Halls advertised the exciting opportunity to come together, have cookies, and be informed about our future. In Blake Student Commons, the Honors Program hosted a voter registration table on October 8 where students could scan a QR code and register to vote or apply for an absentee ballot. On October 15, Dr. Surbrug moderated an online event for students and faculty about the electoral process in preparation for the election.
Another way students could be prepared is by learning the ballot questions.
Though the university has put forth great efforts in preparing our community for this November, a few classes were polled on a specific question: Do you know what the ballot questions are for your state? Of the three classes, only one knew their state’s ballot questions. Three others knew of at least the Massachusetts ballot questions because they were a part of the Honors Program and learned about them through Dr. Surbrug.
As important as it is to keep up with this election on the national level, it’s just as important to stay in the know in your home state. Whether you’re going home to vote or filling out an absentee ballot, you should start your research sooner than later. Don’t let the idea of research steer you away, though. No one will ask you to write a 2-3 page essay and cite your sources. All you have to do is type into Google: “*your state*’s ballot questions 2024,” and you should be able to find your state’s official website. Easy!
2024 Ballot Question Examples:
Massachusetts:
- “State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature”
- “Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement”
- “Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers”
- “Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances”
Connecticut:
- “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to allow each voter to vote by absentee ballot?”
New York:
- “No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof.”
As an additional resource, if you haven’t already registered to vote or wish to get an absentee ballot, click this link. For additional resources, go to www.vote.org.
As we enter our adult lives, decisions are being made all around us by our government, and it’s important to remember that our government gives us the opportunity to participate in decision-making locally, in our home state, and for our country. So remember, your voice has power. See you all at the polls on November 5!
