Many students interviewed at Bakersfield College are unaware and uninterested in the elections taking place on Nov. 4.
Several students who were asked whether they knew about the event stated that they did not know that it was happening, and of the student body surveyed, interest levels about the elections ranged from slightly interested to completely uninterested in the matter.
“I don’t care,” said student Samantha Wilber. “I think it’s important for people to pay attention, but for people my age it doesn’t really matter.”
Student Francisco Frausto stated that he did feel the elections would affect BC financially, but he does not feel students should necessarily want to vote. “They don’t have to be [interested], it’s their choice,” Frausto said.
The California general elections draw closer as the early November voting date has some candidates and activists spreading word for their causes and incumbents. While many local politicians are vying for positions in Congress, the elections will decide the roles of many elected officials throughout California, from governor down through local representatives.
Not every student interviewed felt the same about the opportunity to vote. Student Government President Alex Dominguez said that he felt that the elections affected all residents of Kern County, especially BC students.
“In my opinion, everything comes back to affect everyone. Just because I’m not a farmer doesn’t mean water isn’t a serious issue to me,” stated Dominguez, and said that all students need to get involved in voting. “I’ve always said, you can’t complain about the issue if you didn’t even go out to vote. If our students want their voices heard, they need to get out and vote, especially on an important election year like this one.”
American Sign Language major Donald Reimer Jr. said that he also felt the elections affect students. When asked whether he was interested in the upcoming election, he said that he was, and that other BC students should be interested as well.
“I think students should (care), because California is their home, and they should care about what happens in their state,” he said.
In addition to local positions that will be filled, there will be members elected to represent the Kern Community College District on the fourth. Debbie Carrothers, a member of Citizens for a Better Bakersfield College, sent out an email on behalf of the organization showing support for former Bakersfield College President Rick Wright and BC alumnus John Alexander.
“I would like to ask you to put your trust in Dr. Rick Wright and Dr. John Alexander with your vote on November 4th,” read Carrother’s email in regard to the candidates. Other candidates include Kyle Carter, Hector Rivera and incumbent John Rodgers.
The last day to register to vote in this election was on Oct. 20, while the last day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot is Oct. 28, according to the state’s official voter guide website. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Nov. 4.