Search
Saturday, January 23, 2021
The Daily
Search
News
Multimedia
Sports
Opinion
In-Depth
Subscribe
Lifestyles
The Roost
Marketplace
Send a Tip
31°
Full Forecast
The Daily News
  • News
  • Lifestyles
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Multimedia
  • In-Depth
  • The Roost
  • Marketplace
  • Send a Tip
  • Donate
  • News
  • Lifestyles
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Multimedia
  • In-Depth
  • The Roost
  • Marketplace
  • Send a Tip
Search

Subscribe

Subscribe to The Daily News

opinion 10/22/2020, 7:00pm

Speak Out: First -Time Voters

First-time voters are plagued in a world of false information.

By Emily Hunter
Speak Out: First -Time Voters

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Mail
  • Print

Emily Hunter is a sophomore journalism major and writes “Speak Out” for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.

For the past several months, the 2020 U.S. election has been taking over our lives. Between social media ads, campus campaigns and countless news articles, we can’t escape it. As a first-time voter, it is starting to feel overwhelming.

When I was younger, I was taught that voting is not only a right and privilege, but an expectation — if you don’t vote, you don’t care about your country. This made perfect sense to me when I was young, but as I grew, the wool was lifted from my eyes, and the reality of my “civic duty” became clear.

I saw the ugly side of politics — the conflicts, the deceit and the parties that were constantly at war. I saw the hatred seeping into the heart of our country. Each side started shoving their own agenda down my throat without remorse. I was being groomed to think the way they wanted so they could force me into a box titled “left” or “right.” People would ask who I was voting for with disinterest and a critical eye, waiting for me to challenge their views so they could strike. Turning 18 felt like stepping into a battlefield.

I almost didn’t register to vote this year. The pressure of the newfound knowledge and responsibility made me want to not participate at all. Why would I willingly jump into this cesspool of toxicity? It may just be the trademark Gen Z nihilism talking, but it all felt so hopeless.

On Oct. 5, the last day to register to vote in Indiana, I came to an important realization. The hand my generation has been dealt is horrible. There’s no doubt about that. The country that is being passed down through generations has cracks as deep as the ocean floor. It’s not fair that we are burdened with cleaning up a mess we didn’t even make. 

However, no matter how unfair the entire situation is, sooner or later, this country will be in our hands. Why not start shaping it now, before any more damage is done? A single vote may seem like whispering in a hurricane, but with enough voices, a whisper becomes a roar. Eventually, the storm will pass, and we can begin the repairs. With only a few hours left, I registered to vote for the 2020 election. Nothing is more important than this Indiana girl’s voice. 

I believe many college students have come to the same conclusion I have: sitting silently in the shadows does more harm than good. So, if you’re like me and so many other first-time voters and are terrified of what Nov. 3 will bring, have courage. Educate yourself. Seek truth. Step into that booth with the knowledge you are not alone. There are millions of us stepping with you. 

Contact Emily Hunter with comments at ekhunter@bsu.edu.


Share



Related Stories

OPINIONcapitolpunishment.jpg

Abstraction: The double standard

By Elissa Maudlin

The Emens Auditorium staff originally planned to welcome more than 15 stage shows during the 2020-21 season. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is hosting free interactive online events for students and community members. Kristi Chambers, Photo Provided

Emens Auditorium adjusts to online productions

By Grace McCormick

Place your hot chocolate bomb in your favorite mug, and pour hot milk over it to watch the chocolate shell dissolve away into a cozy drink. Nicole Thomas, DN

How to make hot chocolate bombs to dissolve away winter blues

By Nicole Thomas


The Daily News welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.



Most Popular


Football 12/31/2020, 10:00am

A Neu day: How Mike Neu stayed positive through the struggles and found success

By Ian Hansen

1/2/2021, 5:50pm

'Peyton's Places' episode filmed at Ball State to air Jan. 3


Football 12/31/2020, 7:41pm

Ball State wins its 1st bowl game in program history against No. 19 San Jose State


Football 1/2/2021, 12:10pm

Piatt: Finally cheering — from outside the press box





Tweets by bsudailynews
To Homepage
  • About
  • Guidelines
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • The Daily

All Rights Reserved

© Copyright 2021 The Daily News

Powered by Solutions by The State News.