Upcoming Elections
The Standard and Scott Lucy, Director of Civic Advancement
How do you think the state legislature races in districts 138 and 139 will affect the students of Missouri State University?
On the ballot for the 139th district there is only one candidate for the House of Representatives, Shane Schoeller (R) as well as a write-in option. In terms of the 138th district, which represents campus, Sara Lampe (D) is the incumbent facing off against John Sellars (R) and Steven Reed (I). Our State Representatives will be tasked with standing up for the voice of the students of Missouri State University on issues such as the funding of higher education.
Why should students be interested and eager to learn about the upcoming elections?
Students should be very eager to learn about the upcoming elections because the decisions they make at the polls will have a very real affect on their lives. Often people don’t think that their one vote makes much of a difference; however, the issues politicians choose to campaign on and address during their administrations directly reflect the statistics of voting Americans. Students should prove that they can be an influential factor in elections.
What does SGA do that keeps them involved in the local politics, specifically these upcoming elections?
Next week we will be holding voter registration drives in front of Siceluff Hall from 11 AM – 1 PM. We are also hoping to invite local candidates to speak during Open Forum at SGA Senate meetings. Finally, as Director of Civic Advancement, I have been attending City Council meetings and to try to determine how our City Council and SGA might work together.
Is there any place on campus for people to be able to vote and if so where at?
There is no polling location on campus. However, finding your polling place is quick and easy: just go to https://mcvr.mo.gov/elections/pollingplacelookup/Default.aspx and type in your address.
What other issues will be voted on in November that will affect Missouri State University?
The most influential decision that will be decided this November will be race between Roy Blunt (R) and Robin Carnahan (D). The policies and issues that they will be voting on in the next Senate session will prove to be very important to Missouri State students. U.S. House of Representatives 7th District (Springfield) between Billy Long (R) and Scott Eckersley (D) will be important as well. The complete ballot for the November Election can be found at http://www.greenecountymo.org/election/Nov_2010/Candidates%20&%20Issues.pdf
What is your opinion on it?
No Comment
Should students sign up for absentee ballots if they are not from this area or should they try to vote for this area? What are the benefits of both? What would you suggest students to do?
In my opinion, I would strongly suggest students change their address to their local one in Springfield. This can be done on the same form used to register first-time voters. The last day to change your address or register for the first time is October 6th. Absentee Ballots can be requested up to a week before the election and no earlier than 6 weeks before. They must be turned in no later than 5:00 PM on the Wednesday prior to the election to your local election authority. The appropriate address can be found on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. You can pick up either of these forms in the SGA Office or online at http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/. We will even mail those forms for you.
Is there anything else you would like to add about SGA or about the upcoming elections?
The election process is an extremely important aspect of what it means to be a citizen as well as a student at Missouri State University. At Missouri State we are charged with a Public Affairs Mission that should be fulfilled by every student. Let your voice be heard this election season and never discount the value of your one, single vote.