Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Election Plays a Key Role in Childrens' Lives

          "On the ballot this year are campaigns for school board, city council, governor, state legislator, congressman, and senator that will impact the education, health, nutrition, poverty, child abuse and neglect, juvenile justice, and housing needs of children at all ages - from infants in early childhood programs to school-age children to youth transitioning to adulthood". Education tends to be overshadowed by issues such as Iraq, Medicare and Social Security, which makes this election especially important. Many Americans believe education is a local issue and therefore should not focus on state or federal elections because they will not impact children as much as local elections. Thus, issues such as Common Core standards, standardized testing and high school requirements are ignored on the ballot by the American public because they believe children will not be affected. The midterm election should not be ignored by the American public because the elected politicians will have a significant impact on the lives of American children. The public needs to educate themselves about the different issues in order to make informed decisions. 
          Education is a key campaign issue in many states for the 2014 midterm election. Campaigns include North Carolina Senate, Kansas Governor, Iowa Senate, and Florida Governor.While Republicans are not concentrating on education, Democrats are enticing voters in battleground states with issues "such as college affordability and K-12 funding". The efforts of the Democratic party seem to have made an impact on voters who are single women and minorities. Polls conducted in battleground states by Democrat political strategists found that issues related to education lead to more voters. 
          As a Childhood and Adolescent Development major, I want to help children become healthy, educated adults that are why I believe voting is important. Obviously, children are not able to vote, so it is the responsibility of adults to make sure children receive an excellent education. Adolescents and young adults are also affected because many adolescents and young adults go to college. Most Americans are no longer able to pay for college out of pocket. I have friends who have taken out loans to help pay for college and are now tens of thousands of dollars in debt. 
        Voting in the 2014 midterm election is a way for Americans to make changes in our education system and ensure children will receive quality education. VOTE TODAY!