It’s easy to be disillusioned by the electoral process. Time and time again, our elected officials fail us.
Nevertheless, with local, state, and national elections quickly approaching, it is essential that students turn out to vote. We must ensure that policymakers acknowledge and prioritize our concerns and opinions.
In 2022, 28 percent of Santa Cruz’s population was made up of UC Santa Cruz students, but as of October 2023, only 11.65 percent of registered voters in Santa Cruz County were between 17.5 and 25 years old. Nationwide, the number of young voters planning on voting in the upcoming presidential election has plummeted. According to a fall 2023 Harvard poll, the number of young voters who “definitely” plan to vote in the 2024 election dropped from 57 percent in 2020 to 49 percent.
Systemic voter disenfranchisement, rampant redistricting, gerrymandering, and unfair voter ID laws disproportionately impacting people of color have caused many to re-evaluate how much weight their vote carries. Additionally, 65 percent of Americans support eliminating the electoral college. Also, 75 percent of American adults believe public trust in government is declining, and that democracy itself is being corroded by misinformation.
We recognize the common experience of voter fatigue and exasperation, as well as the disconnect that exists between us, politicians, and our political systems. With Biden and Trump poised to win their party nominations, it’s easy to become disenchanted with our options.
Still, our votes have an impact, especially on local elections that directly affect us and our neighbors. There is too much at stake to take a backseat this election season. In Santa Cruz County alone, there are several significant local ballot measures and a state proposition that will affect near-future public housing plans in Santa Cruz. These measures would impact sales taxes, the quality of medical care in Pajaro Valley, the availability of mental health and safe substance use resources, and support services for the houseless community in Santa Cruz.
On a statewide level, there are races for the House, Senate, and the State Assembly, as well as a vote for California Proposition 1. The presidential primary is also on the ballot.
In the 2022 election for Santa Cruz County Supervisor, same-day registration voters changed the tides, ushering in a win for Justin Cummings. Almost 1,300 same-day votes — that had to be counted and added after election day — came overwhelmingly from precincts that included UCSC. Cummings pushed ahead of his opponent, Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, by 605 votes.
Local voting is a chance to voice concerns and make sure our opinions as students are accurately represented. UCSC students have historically had a significant impact, especially on local elections, making it all the more important that we turn out to vote this year.
Although the deadline to register for the March 5 primary election has already passed, voters can still use same-day registration to vote at in-person locations. There will be in-person voting stations with same-day voter registration at the Stevenson Event Center, the County Elections Office, and the Masonic Center, in addition to several other locations across the county. If you are already registered, you can drop off your ballot at the Quarry Plaza, the Stevenson Event Center, or at other drop-off locations around Santa Cruz.
Regardless of whether you vote in Santa Cruz or your home county, it is time to engage and tune in to local and national issues. You have the power to shape politics for the better.
Make your voice heard.
Go vote.
