<em>Illustration by Maya Winshell</em>
Most Lewis & Clark students have been thoroughly bombarded by campaigns this fall due to the upcoming election. Whether it be by the emails that get progressively more dramatic and personal, by texts from overworked volunteers or by companies who seemingly developed a passion for voting rights overnight, I assume you are tired. I would also venture a guess that you are not necessarily happy with the current state of the election cycle, or the candidates themselves. I share this opinion.
Despite the shared dissatisfaction I sense from LC students, I know that for some people this means deciding not to vote. I do not know more than you on this subject, and I recognize how disappointing the ballot is this year. Regardless, I know that I and many others chose this campus because the students care about the world around them. In my four years, I have seen protests, student-run elections, petitions, campaigns and widespread movements started by LC students in the midst of difficult academic schedules. We joke about our apathy, but I find comfort in our desire to defend our beliefs.
The last election should have told you that your vote matters. The last election should have illuminated the dangers of third-party voting with such a dangerous candidate as President Donald Trump. I expect Joe Biden will be absolutely disappointing but I find the possibility of another four years with Trump, the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett or another national affirmation for the far-right to exceed that fear.
I had a long digital discussion with someone this summer who is voting third party. I know they are aware of the implications of their vote. Unfortunately, the further we talked, it became clear that he was not observing the same election. He was a white man and it is more challenging to share the fear that you have with someone else if they do not have an equal personal stake. I have so much privilege, and I know I am not a morally superior contradiction to his beliefs or actions, but it was so hard to hear about how little he cared to get Trump out of office.
I am not upset with people who feel disillusioned with the current state of voting or arrive at a different opinion than me. However, I implore you to examine whether a third party vote means the same to you than a friend who is fundamentally treated differently or has had their fears validated by Trump’s first term.
There is not much that The Pioneer Log article can convince you of that the past four years have not. If anything, please consider whether the practical effect of voting for the people who will be most affected by the outcome of the election outweighs a vote for you in idealistic solidarity.
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