Rutgers students discuss their thoughts on this year's midterm elections

As the 2022 U.S. midterm elections approach, students at the University discuss their thoughts on local elections and whether they intend to prioritize voting in the November 8 midterms.

The politicians who will be elected will have a significant impact on what can be accomplished for the remainder of President Joseph R. Biden’s first term as the Senate is currently nearly evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.

In addition, registered voters are able to vote for a member of the House of Representatives for their residential area. This year, approximately a third of the Senate seats and all 435 seats of the House of Representatives are up for election, as well as governors for 36 states.

Freyja Quinn, a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore, said she views being able to vote as a privilege and she plans to prioritize voting by participating in local elections.

She said that local elections are critical due to the action that gets taken on a smaller scale, such as in towns and municipalities. As such, being aware of who is elected and who is ultimately in charge of decisions on that level is important, she said.

“I think a lot of the action when it comes to politics is held at the local level,” she said. “Even though it does not get the same attention as federal elections, I believe that it is important to vote in them as they have a closer impact on what is going on in your community.”

Quinn also said that many people are unable to vote for various reasons, and the federal government should provide resources to make voting accessible for eligible voters in order to make voting a priority.

When asked if she feels if voting makes an impact, she said she has been able to personally experience instances where election outcomes came down to the choices of a few individuals, such as the governor’s election in New Jersey last year.

“I think back to the governor’s election last year where the margin was rather close, and I voted in that election,” Quinn said. “I was able to see firsthand why voting matters and that every vote counts.”

Allison Smith, a School of Arts and Sciences senior, also said local elections are just as impactful as federal elections. She said local officials deal with affairs connected to specific communities.

She said that people in New Jersey are lucky to have mail-in ballots as well as early voting, so it is very accessible to vote. She said that she has voted in every election since turning 18 and plans to vote in person for the coming election.

New Jersey voters are able to register to vote online, check their registration status and apply for mail-in ballots if they complete the appropriate application and return the form to their respective county clerk's office.

“Every vote makes an impact. Big change cannot happen without everyone's contribution,” Smith said. “Do your research, and make a difference in whatever way you can this election season.”

Omay Edekar, a School of Arts and Sciences junior, said local elections like school board elections are important as they involve educational policies and taxation. He said local elections impact so much of our day-to-day lives in our communities.

He said that although in a way his vote does not matter, voting decides which demographics get more outreach, which in turn determines which policies will be prioritized. 

“If possible, everyone should definitely vote,” Edekar said. “Just think about how evenly split Congress is, and realize that maybe your representative will be the one who tips the scales. Your vote made that possible.”