After months of campaigning, millions of dollars spent on political advertising and countless debates, scandals and controversies, Election Day 2014 is finally here.
The elections that take place today will play a large role in determining the direction of our state and our nation for at least the next two years. If Republicans take control of the U.S. Senate, as they are projected to, the gridlock and partisanship that plague our nation’s capital will only increase. Even if Democrats hold the upper chamber, the prospects for any sort of substantive progress on our nation’s most important issues seem bleak.
However, the polarization that plagues Washington is not an excuse to avoid voting. Floridians will decide on a number of important items today that will have major implications at the state level regardless of what happens in D.C.
Many have dismissed the governor’s race between Republican incumbent Rick Scott and Democratic challenger Charlie Crist as a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils.
However, the reality is that Crist and Scott have vastly different opinions and visions on nearly every issue important to Florida: education, climate change, taxes and the environment, just to name a few.
Although gridlock also exists at the state level, it is much less severe than in the U.S. Congress. Regardless of which candidate is elected and which party controls the state legislature, it is very likely the new governor will see major components of his agenda enacted. Simply put, the governor’s race is extremely important for Florida’s future. It is also likely to be an extremely close election, so every vote really does count.
The three constitutional amendments up for approval by Florida voters also have significant implications for the state’s environment, health care system and courts.
Regardless of your political affiliation or the issues that motivate you most, voting is essential. Florida’s college students are a critical part of the Sunshine State’s future. We deserve a say in the direction of our state, but that only happens if we go out and vote in large numbers.
If you need more information about any of the items on the Florida ballot this year, the League of Women Voters has an excellent, nonpartisan guide to the various races and ballot initiatives on its website at thefloridavoter.org. You can also visit alligator.org to read all of our election coverage and our endorsements for the governor’s race, the constitutional amendments and the local Moving Alachua County Forward ballot initiative.
If you are registered to vote in Alachua County and you live on campus, your polling place is the Reitz Union. If you live off campus, visit votealachua.com or call the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections at 352-374-5252 to find out where you can vote. Don’t forget to bring along a valid, state-issued photo ID that contains your signature — drivers’ licenses and Gator 1 Cards are both good options.
Don’t let cynicism and disillusionment get the best of you. Vote today, and let your voice be heard.
[A version of this story ran on page 6 on 11/4/2014]
