Schuyler Burke

In today’s world, it seems like everything — media, friends, family, movies, news — is vying for our attention and influencing the opinions we form. A lot of these opinions direct how we make decisions about whether or not to vote and who we vote for. Growing up with an immigrant mom from Bolivia who came searching for a better life at 18, and hearing stories of the nation’s dictatorship, I realized what a good government should be and how important it is to exercise your democratic rights. Personally, I’m driven to the polls by my strong desire to help people and families have a better life, uphold morals values and fulfill my civic responsibility. 

As I mentioned before, my mom has greatly influenced my decision to vote, and her experience growing up in a dictatorship alongside my grandma has also influenced my view on government policies. Bolivia faced years of socialist policies and frequent political and military upheavals. My family recounted stories where they went days without electricity or awoke early in the morning to get in long lines for a loaf of bread — reflective of the lack of benefits from Bolivia’s excessive or centralized government. The scarcity of goods, government control and limited freedoms made it difficult to live under this type of system, and it is not one I want to see in the United States. When voting, I look for policies that promote a less centralized government. Less government interference allows people to govern themselves and reduces the likelihood that the federal state will inhibit our liberty or lead to an inability to change leadership. By reducing government overreach, families can live more freely and not worry about the violation of their rights or fear someone in leadership will refuse to relinquish power.

Additionally, abortion is a topic that heavily influences my voting decision. As someone who is pro-life, I believe America should adopt more pro-life policies, as all human life is inherently valuable and should be protected. It’s important to support policies and candidates that fund or promote alternatives to abortion, such as maternal health care, pregnancy support programs, adoption services and parenting resources. These options support life and lend more assistance to expectant mothers, which are things we desperately need more of in our society. By voting and electing officials who support pro-life policies, I’m letting my voice be heard and advocating for my beliefs to promote a culture that values life. I believe having these types of policies leads people to live a more fulfilling, healthy and happy life, which I want for every person.

Ultimately, I’m an American and I ought to fulfill my civic duty. Our founding fathers wanted us to participate in this constitutional federal republic. By electing people in government, we advocate for what is important to us and who we think will represent our wishes the best — a vital part of our role in a democratic society. I also want the best for our country and for it to prosper. While my idea of how to better our economy or help more people may be different from others, I feel that most Americans agree that the aim overall is to help people and improve our nation. I encourage everyone to follow their morals, do their research, stay informed and, of course, go vote.

Lomax is an International Relations and Global Studies Senior and Treasurer of Horns for Life.