Contrary to all the heavy campaigning, elections are about more than just supporting your favorite political party. While both McIntyre (“Vote Democrat and keep the country on right track,” Sept. 21) and Jones (“Single party rule is not productive, not wanted,” Sept. 22) make passing reference to the importance of researching candidates, their arguments boil down to party politics. According to McIntyre, it is crucial that we kick out the obstructionist Republicans, while according to Jones, it is crucial our Democratic President be checked by a Republican Congress. These arguments, whatever merit they may have, are both flawed. They both argue that voting should be based solely on the party, rather than the merits, of a candidate.
Elections exist so that you can vote for the candidate that represents you and our interests best. And while it may seem that the candidate from your party is the obvious choice, this is not always the case.
We have a duty to make an educated vote. Please don’t waste this privilege by blindly voting straight ticket. Do some real research, and vote for the candidate that best represents your interests. If that person turns out to be from your party, fantastic. All I’m asking is that you approach the elections with an open mind.
Boyce Dominick
Freshman
Information Science
