Elections Matter
The Elections Matter project has afforded me a clearer view of the influence elections exert on all manner of things in our lives, from education and immigration to the economy. I was aware of the importance of voting before undertaking this work, yet I had not put much thought into how government policy and those holding office inform so many of our daily decisions. The various groups have put it in perspective: an election is not simply a question of choosing a president but of determining who will make calls that can change our finances, our prospects, and what is to come.
What I valued in this project was being able to put forward and hear differing points of view on matters of consequence to us as students and citizens. The way each group went about its subject added to the interest of the discussion and prompted me to look into some topics I would not otherwise have researched.
Group 1: Electorate & Election Process
I left Group 1 with a sense of the responsibility involved in voting and the necessity of knowing the process. Citizens may have their chance to leave their mark on the government in an election, but one must be informed to do it right. It was of interest to observe the part that voter turnout and political awareness play in the outcome. The presentation served as a reminder that it is more than selecting a candidate; one ought to research the policies and what they portend for our communities. For my generation of college students, I see it as essential to be politically astute since today’s decisions will define our futures.
This was a fitting place to start the project as an understanding of how elections are run underpins any talk of the policies that ensue. In reviewing the presentation, I noted the link between voting and personal responsibility, and it gave me pause to think how readily people will form an opinion on a candidate or issue without fully grasping them. Such presentations are of value to a younger audience making their first foray into the electoral process.
Group 2: Education Policies
My group’s focus was on the government’s part in the cost of and access to college and the attendant education policies. I covered the FAFSA and Federal Pell Grant and the financial aid they extend to those who qualify. In my research, I found a student’s chances of attending college are heavily reliant on the funding and policies the government puts in place. As a student, the subject was close to home. With higher education running up such bills, that kind of help can make the difference for a family. I also came to understand that through legislation and changes to programs, elected officials have a hand in education. These are no mere abstractions but have a direct effect on students.
Having to put together the presentation for my group was good experience in the preparation and organization required to put information before an audience. I was made to realize there is a distinction between knowing a subject and being able to explain it. I had to decide what was most important and how to get it across to my classmates in plain terms. I also liked the collaborative nature of the assignment, with everyone having a part in the discussion. To be talking about issues we are living through was particularly apt.
Group 3: The Economy
Economic policy is of interest to me on a personal and professional level as I am looking to go into finance, and it is something that makes no distinction based on politics. A person’s quality of life and finances are tied up in wages, taxes, inflation, and jobs. The presentation led me to examine more closely what these policies mean for a college student when it comes to tuition and the cost of living and, later on, finding work. One should not take the economic promises of an election at face value but consider how the policy is to be put into effect.
The tie between one’s finances and politics is well worth thinking about. Economic talk can be complicated given the number of variables, but if you relate it to your everyday expenses, it is easier to take in. That is an important point when putting economic data in front of college students. We are all starting to make choices about our careers and financial independence, even if we do not all bear the same responsibilities. This has only deepened my interest in economics.
Group 4: Immigration Policies
There was a human element to this one. While immigration is a political topic, there are families and individuals behind it whose opportunities and futures can be changed by a shift in the law or how it is enforced. I took from it the need to appreciate the complexity of the matter rather than viewing it from one angle. The consequences of these policies for employment and the community are not confined to the campaign trail.
It is a case where one should be open to perspectives other than one’s own. Strong opinions are often voiced on immigration without regard for the circumstances of those it affects. This presentation was a reminder that consideration for others and critical thinking should be part of any political discourse. I am glad the project included immigration as it brought a more personal side to our conversation on elections.
Project Managers: Elections Matter Synopsis/Evaluation
The synopsis and evaluation put forward by the project managers were a key component of Elections Matter. Instead of zeroing in on any one political matter, they drew focus to the project in its entirety. I found this of value as it underscored how the four disparate topics are linked by a common thread: elections have a hand in the decisions that shape our society.
On the side of evaluation, I was made to consider the worth of good presentation skills, organization, and teamwork. One cannot make a successful presentation on subject knowledge alone; ideas must be put across clearly and with some logic to hold an audience. The project has given me a better sense of how preparation and working with others bear on the end product. It also occurred to me that listening to other groups is as instructive as making a presentation since we can pick up different ways of speaking in public.
Overall Reflection
In looking back over the project, what stands out is the way each group had its own take on the election theme. This served to illustrate the connection between the choices of those we elect and matters of policy, be they economic, immigration, or education. The dynamic of the group was conducive to doing the legwork for research and then putting on a presentation for an audience. As for my own contribution, I was more comfortable in presenting a political issue in a way my fellow students could understand.
I also valued being able to judge the presentations on more than what was said. I have become more attuned to the fact that delivery can affect how an audience takes in a subject. With clear explanations and good examples, a complicated political point becomes easier to deal with. That is no small thing when it comes to elections, where people want information they can trust and understand.
The takeaway from Elections Matter is that political involvement should not be limited to the election season. An engaged citizen will keep abreast of public policy and put questions to it. I have come away from this with the impression that while politics may appear distant from our day-to-day lives, the consequences are often closer at hand. It has left me with a desire to be a better-informed voter and to see what the government is up to.
Excellent!!
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