The election on Nov. 7 is not just about the candidates, amendments and referendums; it is about what the people of Colorado think is the right direction for the state.
On the CU campus students have politicked through special interest groups and political parties. There have been rallies, leaflets and voter registration drives. But in the end, it will be each student in the voting booth exercising his or her civil right to be heard.
Four CU students were asked about the upcoming election. This is what they had to say.
Adi Piersol is a senior international affairs major and a registered Republican. However, Piersol said she was not decided who to vote for in the governor’s race. As for the ballot measures, she is going to vote no on Referendum I (legalizing domestic partnerships) and no on Amendment 44 (legalizing marijuana possession). The only other measure she felt strongly about was Amendment 39 (school district spending requirements), which she will vote yes on.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Republicans lost the Congress,” Piersol said about the mid-term elections.
Elizabeth O’Donnell is a freshman MCD biology major and registered as an independent. This will be O’Donnell’s first time voting because she just turned 18.
“I am excited about voting for the first time,” O’Donnell said.
The most important issues on this years’ ballot for O’Donnell are Referendum I and Amendment 44. She said she is going to vote yes on both measures.
O’Donnell said she has a friend who is lesbian and is voting yes on Referendum I to support her. As for Amendment 44, O’Donnell said she thinks marijuana is safer than alcohol and is in favor of making it legal.
Patrick Kelsall is a junior sociology major and registered with the green party.
“I don’t like the Democrats or the Republicans,” Kelsall said.
Kelsall plans to vote for Bill Ritter for governor and is most interested in Referendum I and Amendment 42 (raising the minimum wage). He said it is ridiculous we have to vote for Referendum I in the first place because he said it is basic human rights. On the issue of minimum wage, Kelsall thinks it is great the voters will have the opportunity to raise it. He said many Coloradans would benefit if Amendment 42 passed.
Desiree Stark is a senior news-editorial major and has no party affiliation. This election will be the second one she has voted in, with her first in 2004. Stark is going to vote for Ritter in the governor’s race because she said he is more focused on education.
“I am well educated on Referendum I and Amendment 44,” Stark said, referring to the issues she wants to vote on.
Stark said she hopes the Congress will be more liberal after the national election.
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Visit www.TheCampusPress.com for a guide to the polling places in and around campus.
