STUDENT VOICE

Voice Box: What political issue is most important to you, and why?

“Transparency. All politicians are two-faced liars. I mean, I still vote. I sent in my ballot two days ago.” Derek Fleszar, journalism

“For this upcoming election, abortion rights are most important to me. I’m very pro-choice. This summer, I worked to get Prop 3 on the ballot.” Anna Lyon, social work

“I don’t just look at one issue; I look at a range of issues. I guess [they’re] all social issues.” Gwen Michalec, political science

“Who’s paying for the damage of climate change is what worries me. Why should we pay for it when billionaires with bunkers run and hide? My goal is a bloodless ‘taking it back.’ We could all learn something from the French revolution.” Pala, journalism

“I think it’s really important for our country to stand with women right now, as [the US government is] literally trying to take away our rights. I’m torn between abortion rights and preventing Russia from attacking an entire country.” Jasmyn Kirkland, pre-engineering

“The Russian and the Ukrainian war. It’s the only big thing I know about.” Kenta Osborn, fine arts

“I think they’re all too interconnected … even the social and economic issues.” Eden Rudolph, journalism

“I care about lots of issues, but I guess I might say environmental issues. The climate affects our ability to live well.” Evie Brokaw, liberal arts transfer

“I’m not a single-issue voter, but [in this midterm election] three states might legalize slavery. Not Michigan, luckily, but I’m keeping my eyes on those states. The 13th amendment ended slavery for everyone but convicted prisoners.” Jason Thompson, communications

“Rape culture. You look at all these statistics of reported assaults, and you wonder, ‘Where are these people?’ You may be interacting with a rape victim and not even realize it. So, were they silent or silenced?” Nana Kubo, journalism