With the midterm elections only a few months away, big-name politicians have descended upon Penn and Philadelphia. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine spoke in Houston Hall on the first day of classes, former President Bill Clinton campaigned for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato Monday in West Philadelphia and President Barack Obama himself is paying a visit to the City of Brotherly Love Tuesday.
These political celebrities are paying attention to the area because Pennsylvania’s elections have national importance. In turn, Penn students should return the favor and inform themselves about state and national elections.
The gubernatorial and senatorial races aren’t runaways for either political party. As Democrats and Republicans fight for control of Congress and governorships, swing states like Pennsylvania will be a priority.
The stakes are high. The economy is still struggling and the war in Afghanistan is still being waged. The outcome of the elections will impact policies about job creation and student loans. The results will impact students, and students should learn how their votes can make a difference.
Regardless of political affiliation, students should get educated and cast informed ballots in November. All the activity in the area means students have no excuse to be ignorant.
