Image: News_PA_Ballot_1: PA ballot by i_am_curioskiwi via flickr
This year, approximately 16 million Americans will be voting in the presidential election for the first time, according to Watch Us Rise. This indicates a major shift in the United States political landscape and makes it even more important for young voters to make their voices heard. American Progress reported that only an estimated 27% of eligible voters actually vote in their municipal elections, which highlights the importance of every individual’s vote. This year, Chester County has seven additional elections on the ballot, all of which are equally important to research and be informed about.
On the federal level, there are elections for the United States House of Representatives and Senate. These bodies of Congress are instrumental in federal politics. Senators serve six-year terms and vote on bills, amendments and other acts of the government. Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms and serve specific congressional districts. They introduce different pieces of legislation such as bills and amendments. Congress makes up the legislative branch of the American political system and checks the executive branch, which includes the president. There are seven candidates vying for a Senate seat in Pennsylvania. The main parties each have one candidate, with incumbent Bob Casey Jr. running for the Democratic party against Republican Dave McCormick. Additionally, Marty Selker is running for the Constitution Party, Leila Hazou for the Green Party, John Thomas for the Libertarian party, Hussein Tartour-Aguirre as an Independent and Quincy Magee as an Independent write-in. For the 6th Congressional District member of the House, representing Chester County, incumbent Chrissy Houlahan is running for the Democratic party against Republican candidate Neil Young. These elections can be seen as important due to this branch having the power to overrule the president or to help them achieve success.
In addition to the federal elections, there are three state elections currently taking place: attorney general, auditor and treasurer. The Pennsylvania attorney general has many responsibilities and is the top state official for law enforcement. Beneath the attorney general are many attorneys, investigators and other members of law enforcement. This office serves a four-year term and currently has six candidates: Eugene DePasquale for the Democratic Party, Dave Sunday for the Republican Party, Justin Magill for the Constitution Party, Eric Settle for the Forward Party, Richard Weiss for the Green Party and Rob Cowburn for the Libertarian Party. The state auditor, who makes sure that state tax dollars are being spent responsibly and reviews allegations of improper use, serves a four-year term. There are currently five candidates for this office: Republican incumbent Timothy DeFoor, Democrat Malcom Kenyatta, Eric Anton for the American Solidarity Party, Alan Goodrich for the Constitution Party and Reece Smith for the Libertarian Party. The final state-level election will be for treasurer, a role that is responsible for the funds of the state and oversees all spendings and earnings of Pennsylvania. There are five candidates for this office: Republican incumbent Stacy Garrarity, Democrat Erin McClelland, Constitution Party member Troy Bowman, Forward Party member Chris Foster and Libertarian Nikolas Ciesielski.
Finally, there are Congressional District elections. In addition to the aforementioned United States House of Representatives, the state House of Representatives will also be on the ballot. In this election, there are two candidates running for the seat: Republican incumbent Brad Roae and Democrat Michael Walker.
While voting for president of the United States is important, there are other offices that serve as checks to the president. These elections could impact what the government at the state level will look like. By educating themselves on other elections, voters will see a more successful presidential term, no matter who they vote for.
Susan Gilsbach is a second-year Business Management major. SG1050670@wcupa.edu