LIFE

The League of Women Voters push students to turn out

WCC students Tatyana Bradley and Mariam Hallok talk with volunteers from the League of Women’s Voters of Washtenaw County. | Ruby Go, Washtenaw Voice

By Jordan Scenna
Deputy Editor

The League of Women Voters set up shop in the Student Center last week registering all comers in preparation for the Nov. 8 election. The group, formed by the suffragists of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association in 1920, began as a “mighty political experiment” designed to help 20 million women navigate their newly gained voting rights.

Today, the non-partisan group is composed of men and women whose goal is to register as many eligible voters as possible. According to statista.com, as of 2020 59.8% of 18-24 year olds in the U.S. are registered to vote, but the League wants to enroll them all.

“It’s everyone’s civic duty to get out and vote,” said Joan Kellenberg, a League rep. “If you don’t, then your voice goes unheard. It’s your right and your responsibility.”

The November election is going to determine plenty, from who occupies the Governor’s mansion in Lansing, to district judges and state legislation. Kellenberg implores young people to get out and vote, or else risk leaving critical decisions in the hands of someone else.

“If your voice is left out, for example, on a topic like climate change, people who won’t be around anymore are making decisions for you.”

There are three major proposals on the November ballot that all have future implications for Michiganders. These proposals will amend the state constitution on term limits for legislators, and voting and reproductive rights.

Judy Dean, another League rep, says youth voters will help shape the landscape of life in Michigan: “We need to empower the young demographic here in Michigan because it has a direct impact on our community.”