As election season draws to a close, the question remains: did students at the University of Northern Colorado choose not to vote in this year’s local election because they don’t care or because they weren’t informed?
Voter apathy and participation in elections is a constant worry for any running candidate, local or national. Within the younger generation, especially those in college, there is typically a higher expected rate of participation. Campus events, social media and word of mouth seem to transmit information faster than ever before. However, following several surveys with students at UNC, there seems to be a discrepancy between this idea and the reality of the situation.
Students seem to share similar sentiments about the election this year. There appears to be a collective lack of information circulating and interest stirring across campus.
“I don’t really know what’s going on,” said Evelyn Feauto, a second-year student. “I haven’t voted.”
While it’s difficult to attribute the exact reason for students’ shortage of knowledge and general indifference regarding this year’s election, there are a few circumstances that could be contributing to the lack of voting.
Many students were unaware that the local election was happening this year. Some students don’t want to vote because of no prior knowledge of the city or candidates.
“Because I don’t know anything about it and I’m not going to vote on something that I don’t know anything about,” student Kolayah Ellsworth said.
Outside of articles published on The Mirror’s website, information for students on campus was sparse. In the prior year for the presidential election, the information flow for students was much more involved and accessible. From on-campus informational meetings to various posters, students had a helping hand at every turn. Now, despite the election taking place in town directly, the attention was not there.
An effort from the university to improve advertising and spread awareness at the same level as the national election might inspire students to care more about local elections in the future. For example, staff and faculty could remind students about the local election and why it matters and the Bears Vote Coalition could prioritize smaller elections.
The local election’s unfortunate timing for students does not help either. October and November mark the beginning of midterm season for UNC students. With academic challenges on the horizon, the scope and importance of the election can seem skewed. In a previous article published on Oct. 31 covering student interest in elections, this sentiment was cited as a common roadblock for voter motivation.
The obstacles surrounding students’ urge to vote, prevent them from participating in an election that directly impacts them. The local election heavily affects the environment and development surrounding the university. Some candidates are striving to further develop Greeley to potentially enhance local resources and provide students’ with more opportunities to enjoy the city surrounding the campus.
The concern for voter participation has been felt even with the candidates. Brian Rudy, a candidate for Ward IV, voiced his thoughts in an interview earlier this semester.
“I do want people at your age to realize that Greeley local government are the ones that are affecting you,” Rudy said.
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