Schuyler Burke

Elections are the people’s voice. They provide citizens the opportunity to air their grievances in a peaceful manner that can still affect change. While America’s system is far from perfect, elections still ensure some degree of a check on power. 

When those seeking office represent their constituents properly, they are rewarded with public support. However, when politicians disregard the needs of those they represent or allegedly strive to serve, they’re held accountable through a public vote. 

In this forum project, we asked UT community members from various beliefs and perspectives to share the issue motivating them to head to the polls this election. 

Benjamin Castro, UT history senior and managing editor for The Texas Orator, a multi-partisan political publication, expresses the need to uphold labor protections in the workplace and to participate in local elections.

James Galbraith, UT professor of government and business relations and the Chair of the Committee of Counsel on Academic Freedom and Responsibility, a faculty committee studying violations of procedure on campus, expresses concern over growing threats to free speech and expression, including those on campus.

Catherine Hobdy, a UT English sophomore, shares her perspective on the importance of choice as it relates to reproductive rights and emphasizes the threat limits to abortion pose to a woman’s health.

Sanford Levinson, UT professor of government and a Centennial Chair in Law for the University, explores potential threats to democracy and the rise of fascism he believes could accompany a second Trump term.

Tiffany Lomax, international relations and global studies sophomore and treasurer of Horns for Life, a pro-life student org, argues for reducing government overreach while supporting the protection of life in reproductive healthcare policy.

Gavyn Shankar, UT government sophomore and member of the Student Government voter registration agency Hook the Vote, discusses strains on the economy and the burden of rising rent and essential goods prices.

The forum team consists of forum editor Justin Doud and editor-in-chief McKenzie Henningsen. As always, if you have any thoughts on this topic or any other, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].