The distribution of early ballots this week marks the commencement of the momentous 2014 midterm election. From the gubernatorial race to elections for state and federal representatives, a renewed focus on education is of the utmost importance.
Campaign posters strewn across the Valley testify to candidates’ “dedication” to education and insistence that they are “right” for education in Arizona.
Education has traditionally remained firmly in the hands of the Democrats; however, the Republican Party this election understands it cannot win without taking a strong stance on “protecting” education.
Students enrolled in state universities understand their stake in the matter, and candidates will be unable to win over the masses without the support of young Arizonans.
Tuition hikes and raises disguised under the facade of fees (like our beloved new athletic fee) are unacceptable. The Arizona State Constitution clearly states that university education must remain “nearly free," yet we are continuously anxious at the prospect of the state universities increasing tuition again.
Each year, in-state students contribute on average more than $10,000 per student to our state schools and the trend is increasing exponentially. This midterm election is the time for students to make a point to the bureaucracy that is hindering students from achieving a college education.
Personally, without receiving the Regents Scholarship and accepting all my loans, I do not know how I would be able to cope with the extenuating costs that face many of my peers. A college education is critical in the workforce today, and many opt out because of the high costs.
Few Americans vote for their true ideologue and fall victim to this manipulation perpetrated during election season. The consequence of the discrepancy is that Americans, and subsequently Arizonans, are unable to vote in their own best interest. When you are connecting the arrow for your candidate, just keep in mind which candidate represents you and your educational future.
For instance, my view of the future of Arizona's education is in line with that of former Arizona Board of Regents chairman Fred DuVal, the Democratic nominee for governor.
"As incoming chair, I am proposing the first $0 tuition increase in modern history. That's zero. Arizona families need a break. State revenues are trending back up this year, enabling the Legislature to restore some of the recent, deep university cuts which will make this goal possible,” DuVal upon his appointment as ABOR's chair.
DuVal’s campaign is surrounded around the notion of restoring education’s lost funding that predates the great recession. His commitment to K-12 and secondary education is incomparable to his opponent. Thus, for me, a vote for DuVal is a vote for education.
Whether you already received your early ballot or plan to vote at the polls on Nov. 4, be sure to vote for yourself. Vote for the candidate who best represents your interests, and as a student, that means education.
Reach the columnist at jemeyer3@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @JordanElizaM
Editor’s note: The opinions presented in this column are the author’s and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
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