As November approaches, students and faculty need to inform themselves about the various positions available for voting. CAPE Director and OVW Coordinator Jaden Hilkemann has prepared a helpful pamphlet, sent to Doane emails, on the key issues Nebraskan voters will see on their ballot this year.
This guide helps voters understand the different roles that might appear on the ballot, not just presidential, but also positions such as mayors, senators, attorneys general and sheriffs. Local roles in the community often affect citizens more than presidential roles.
The League of Women Voters is a nonprofit organization that began in 1910, just before the 19th Amendment was passed, which granted women the right to vote. This organization defends voters’ rights, ensuring that people are registered and can vote. They have local leagues in every state.
The League of Women Voters has a page dedicated to issues Nebraska voters will encounter, providing the exact wording of the bills and explaining them in simple terms. For example, if someone is interested in how the state regulates medical cannabis, section #438 explains that the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission can regulate the manufacture, distribution, delivery and dispensation of cannabis for medical purposes, protecting registered organizations from penalties. A vote against this would make medical cannabis illegal and unregulated while voting for it would legalize medical cannabis.
There are many factors for voters to consider during local and general elections. Different bills can impact everyday life, whether it’s voting on cannabis, local school systems, abortion or paid sick leave. Everyone must be well-informed and able to cast a vote they feel strongly about.
