Smaller Elections matter just as much as presidential elections

Graphic by Tatyana Ross

Tatyana Ross
Editor-in-Chief

It was a joy to see so many students on campus ready to vote. I registered to vote on Jackson State’s campus a few years ago in 2017 when I came in as a freshman but this is my first time taking part in the Mississippi elections.

Jackson State added to the experience with a march to the polls held on the 2nd Floor of the Student Center. Unfortunately, I was not able to participate in the march but it was cool to see. 

Up until now I was sending my absentee ballot back to my hometown Montgomery, Ala. I cannot say that I am particularly shocked by the results of Midterm Elections on Nov. 8, 2022. 

Personally, I do not think enough people around my age group understand the importance of voting in midterm elections. I think we put off smaller elections like the midterms and only focus on the Presidential Election.

In a previous issue of The Flash there were several students that were unaware of the elections and the particular policies we were voting for. 

So, I admit I did not have a lot of faith for my fellow peers on Election Day. 

However, they proved me wrong, according to Good Morning America, Generation Z had a large turnout at the polls that could possibly be linked to the abortion ban. 

I have been registered to vote since the day I turned 18 years old and prior to that going to the polls every election with my mother is a core memory for me. She would always vote after school so that me and my younger sister could go with her. 

The first time she ever took me to the polls I thought she was taking a test because of the way voting partitions were set up. Initially, she thought it was funny but she explained to me what it meant and I was so amazed. 

She never let me downplay the rights that our ancestors fought so many years for.

My mother told me growing up that to always exercise the right to vote in midterm elections. I did not know what she meant then but I know now. The Midterm Elections are where we find out which party will gain control of the US Senate and the House of Representatives. 

From personal observations the party that acquired the most seats in the Midterm Elections has control of the presidency.