Voters across the country today will head to the polls for the congressional midterm elections. Tonight, the election drama that has pervaded the news for months - characterized by caustic comments volleyed between candidates - will finally end. This may not be a presidential or gubernatorial election for Virginians, but it is important nevertheless.
The most significant election for those registered to vote in Charlottesville is the Fifth District congressional race between Democratic incumbent Tom Perriello and his opponents, Republican State Sen. Robert Hurt and independent Tea Party candidate Jeff Clark.
College students should take an active interest in the candidates' platforms as they relate to higher education. After all, the University receives a sizable portion of its funding from federal sources - often an overlooked component of the budget, as most students consider only state funding when they think of public support for universities. Perriello has advocated strongly for keeping the cost of attending college affordable. Hurt, meanwhile, discusses education more often within the context of it driving economic vitality. Given the challenges confronting both higher education and the country at large, whichever candidate is elected will have a daunting task ahead of him.
Apart from the congressional race, there are three ballot initiatives up for vote today in Virginia. The first proposes to shift authority over property tax relief for elderly and disabled residents from the state to localities. The second initiative would provide tax exemption for veterans suffering from 100 percent service-related disabilities. Finally, the third proposes capping the state's Revenue Stabilization Fund from 10 percent to 15 percent of the state's average income and retail sales tax revenues from the preceding three years, with the goal of providing an additional financial buffer for when revenue shortfalls hit the state.
On Election Day, it is important to consider former House Speaker Tip O'Neill's quip that "All politics is local." Most of the attention this year in Charlottesville has gone toward the congressional race, but just because this election is for a national office does not mean that local issues are not at stake. Members of the House represent small districts for the most part, especially compared with most senators, and thus have greater incentive to address district-specific issues. The University is one of, if not the, most influential institutions in the Fifth District, and thus students, faculty, staff and administrators all have leverage when it comes to shaping the outcome of public policy, particularly as it affects higher education. The more often the University community can speak as one voice, the better chance it has to bring about change.
Consequently, we strongly encourage University students to go out and cast their ballots today. We hope those registered to vote elsewhere have cast an absentee ballot, except for those able to travel home during Election Day. Apathy is perhaps the greatest deterrent to progress, and if young adults want their voices heard, they must prove expectations wrong and vote en masse each election cycle - not just when a popular, energetic presidential candidate is on the ballot.
A number of groups on Grounds have worked tirelessly to encourage students to register to vote and have tried to fuel excitement during election season. Events like Debate Night hosted by Student Council's Legislative Affairs Committee last Monday brought politics closer to the University community. The event brought two congressional candidates to the South Lawn and was effective in stirring up student interest - and even some controversy. Additionally, the University Democrats will transport students to and from the polls today from various locations on Grounds. We applaud their efforts and hope these groups do not stop today but continue to encourage students to stay informed about issues. With all the resources available on Grounds, no registered voter at the University has an excuse to sit on the sidelines during this year's election.
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