College Station Readies for the Upcoming Election Season
As we take a deep breath and gather our thoughts post-summer, it’s time to pay attention to what’s happening around us—particularly when it comes to the upcoming elections! From College Station, the political landscape is buzzing as both **Republicans and Democrats** gear up to encourage voter engagement among the younger crowd.
Rallies for Local Voices
With issues ranging from housing to reproductive rights, the air is thick with political chatter as party leaders explain their visions. For those unfamiliar, Russ Ford, the Brazos County Republican chairman, offered insights into the **GOP’s** platform heading into the 2024 election. He emphasizes the importance of “**the economy, border security, and election integrity**” as top priorities for his party.
On the Democratic side, Thomas Cavaness, the county’s Democratic chairman, provided a contrasting perspective. He believes the Democratic Party, led by **Kamala Harris** should she win the presidency, will focus on “**immediate action**” on several issues, including a robust border security bill that would add more agents.
Student Life from Different Lenses
The heart of the matter? College students! Both leaders recognize that university-goers have unique perspectives that need to be acknowledged. Ford claimed that young folks need to understand how taxes affect their rent prices. “Even though students may not directly pay property taxes, landlords will factor them into the cost of rent,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cavaness mentioned that the Democratic Party is working hard to emphasize the need for elected representatives who reflect the voices of younger voters in the community. “For years, Texas and Brazos County have been exclusively controlled by the GOP, and it’s time for a change,” he remarked.
Featured Issues: What Concerned Students
Zach Spanhak, the Vice President of the Texas Aggie Democrats, illuminated several issues that are particularly important to students. He pointed to “**housing costs, reproductive rights, and the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine**” as key topics on many young people’s minds. “Very simply, these issues are resonating with many young voters,” he noted.
Conversely, the GOP aims to address college students’ challenges with student debt and rising housing costs. Ford insisted that lowering education costs and enhancing economic opportunities are vital to ensuring students can achieve the “**American dream of homeownership.”**
Voting Matters: Get Involved!
Engaging students in the voting process is of utmost importance for both parties. Ford made a plea to students to “**do their research**” and consider voting early. “Most students don’t take the time to consider the impact their vote has,” he observed, a call to action for young minds to step into civic duties.
Similarly, Cavaness emphasized that Democratic initiatives aim to ramp up student involvement and promote easier pathways for registering and voting. “We want to see Aggies step up and make their voices counted,” he said excitedly. After all, the statistics show that many young voters miss out on voting opportunities, oftentimes ending up with provisional ballots that aren’t counted.
Stay Informed and Participate
To keep up with important voter registration deadlines and polling locations, residents are encouraged to check resources that can help navigate the voting process. The excitement is palpable as College Station gears up for the race ahead, and all eyes are on how young voters will shape the future.
With both sides stepping up efforts to connect with the younger demographic, it’s clear that **every vote counts**. As far as Spanhak is concerned, voting is the “**single most influential thing** you can do in politics as an ordinary citizen.”
As the information continues to pour in, keep your ears to the ground! Engage, learn, and participate—because your voice matters!
