Make change, with or without a ballot

Alexandra Mosquera Netzkarsch / Columnist

bbc@fiusm.com

The midterm elections are upon us and I don’t have a say. However, there are alternatives for me and the rest of the international student body.

As an international student, my right to vote is voided for all U.S. elections, which is very frustrating at times because I feel as if my opinion doesn’t matter. But I was raised differently.

My opinion has value, and even just one vote can make a difference.

Forming different groups to campaign and inform other college students who are eligible to vote is an alternative way to voice my opinion.

I haven’t been able to vote all the years I’ve been in the U.S. and it has become an annoying topic because of its irrelevance in my life. I find voting campaigns and rallies annoying, which some may see as rude and inconsiderate when the topic comes up in a conversation.

Other international students have also shared their indifference toward voting outside their home country because they feel as if their voices don’t count.

We’re spammed through emails and social media to hit the polls, but that doesn’t mean those who are able to voice their opinions are even getting the information they need to make an informed decision.

College students should care about voting and know what benefits and disadvantages can come from choosing one candidate over another. More so, international students should care more about the options they have available while the voting process remains out of their control

The option that international students have is to create a plan to present and expose the sides they support, so eligible voters can represent their views and values.

Those voters can later form other groups of students to inform others about the importance of voting and which candidate is the best choice for each students’ needs.

Students can also find information on campus by visiting organizations and clubs that support and promote the involvement in the political process.

Even though I was unable to bubble in a ballot on Nov. 4, it’s important to feel like I’m making a change and helping others make the right choice.

Check for a new Straight-Up Alex by Alexandra Mosquera Netzkarsch every Wednesday.

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