Democracy is a Responsibility.

Governor. Senators. Courts. Ballots. November 8th. Future.

Up and coming is the Oregon midterm elections. ASLU president Emma Campbell states that “Voting is an essential part in participating in our society. That is why ASLU is helping with voter registration and helping facilitate an event to view the Gubernatorial Debate.”

Some Linfield students have strong opinions on this race. Others may not, but are looking for how to get involved. 

This election will determine which two Senators will be elected for the next six years, as well as the next Governor of Oregon. The two Senate candidates represent the entire state, whereas other positions, like the House of Representatives, contains a Representative from each district in Oregon. 

 The other positions up for vote are for the house of representatives, state executive, state senate, state house, special state legislative, state supreme court, intermediate appellate courts, municipal government, recalls, ballot measures, and local ballot measures. 

Professor Robin Barklis from the Political Science Department said that “The most obvious thing students can do to get involved in the election may also be the most impactful: vote, encourage your friends and colleagues to vote, and help as you can to make voting easier for folks in the community.” 

Professor Barklis also explained that “Some studies have found that upward of twice as many young people report planning to vote as actually end up voting. There are numerous reasons for this—missed voter registration deadlines, changing addresses, perhaps competing demands on time—but the more we can do to lower these hurdles for each other, the stronger our democracy will be.”

The current leading candidates running for governor are Tina Kotek (Democrat), Christine Drazan (Republican), and Betsy Johnson (Independent). All three of these candidates have previously worked in the Oregon House of Representatives. 

Ballotpedia is an official government website that provides up-to-date information on elections, candidates, and their stances on certain topics. According to their page for the Oregon race, they are able to compare all three candidates on specific topics. Homelessness is an epidemic that many people in Oregon want to work on, and is a conversation that happens within many of Linfield’s classrooms.

For example, on the topic of homelessness, Ballotpedia describes how “Kotek campaigned on addressing housing affordability and homelessness. She said she would work to increase temporary and permanent housing and ‘to provide mental health and addiction services to every Oregonian.”

When looking at Republican candidate Christine Drazan, Ballotpedia describes how “Drazan said she would work to address homelessness in the state by declaring a state of emergency, investing in public health services and public safety measures, and reducing regulations to incentivize housing developments.”

Lastly, Ballotpedia describes how Independent Betsy Johnson “would draw on policies from both sides of the aisle to address homelessness in Oregon. She said, ‘Democrats are right – we need compassioned services and housing. But Republicans are also right – we should expect personal responsibility and no more tent cities.”

ASLU President Emma Campbell states that: “ASLU is very excited to host some voter engagement events in October with the Political Science Department.”

Head of the political science work-study team at Linfield, Campbell Small, said that “The most important advice that I can give to students with regards to getting involved in midterms is to engage in understanding politics and to exercise your right to vote.”

Campbell listed opportunities such as; The Power of Your Vote: A Midterm Debate Watch Party & Dinner event on October 6th in ICE and Jonasson and our Register to Vote Table on October 17 in FML.

A Republican’s Club member Kaylee Elsom recommends that students are “open to asking questions if you want to be a part of the election.” She also said that “The political science department will give great advice on what you’re looking for.” 

Paige Spady, the newly elected president of the Democrats club describes that the Linfield Dems will soon be endorsing Governor candidate Tina Kotek. Spady states that “She has the necessary qualities and experience Oregon needs to move forward this upcoming term. I look forward to the dems’ collaboration with Kotek and the team.” 

Lastly, Kaylee recommended that students “pay attention to those social media accounts. Many of the school’s political accounts will be posting upcoming events and involvement opportunities. Don’t be afraid to reach out!” She said the Republican’s club is working on setting  meeting times, and to follow their instagram for upcoming meeting dates @linfieldrepublicans 

Paige also said that the Democrats club meets most Thursdays at 7:30 pm in Renshaw 103. She describes that they have resources and guidance to local/school events, meet and greets, and volunteer opportunities. Their insatgram is @linfielddemocrats

Decide what you want your role to be in this upcoming election, and know that voting closes on October 18th. How are you going to participate in Democracy?

Here is the link to Oregon’s online voter registration: VOTE