The year 2020 has witnessed several unprecedented events, ranging from a global pandemic to a nationwide movement against systemic racism. However, 2020 also poses elections at the local, state and federal levels, offering a shot at certainty through the power of voting. This year’s Election Issue focuses on covering local candidates that statewide and national news outlets often neglect, asking questions on their experiences and how they can shape the community we live in. We also cover tips on dealing with Election Day anxiety, perspectives on the current state of American politics and how to vote, whether it is early or on Nov. 3. Although this important election may seem daunting to new voters, Pipe Dream is committed to ensuring students’ voices are heard and that the power of voting is paramount.
Visit this page to see all candidates from local to presidential elections.
Polling locations for BU students
Polls for the Nov. 3 general election will open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. Polling locations in areas commonly populated by students can be found here. To find out which one you are supposed to go to, check here.
Students call for BU to cancel classes on Election Day
“I really embrace this idea that one goal of a college education is to prepare students for lives of active citizenship,” David Campbell, associate professor in the College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA), said. “What active citizenship means to me is that you really participate in community life. Voting is the most fundamental way in which we participate. We say, ‘Here’s who we want to lead our community.’”
Current student, alumnus seek local office
“Our democracy is at its strongest when every voice is at the table, including the voices of young people,” Alison Twang, associate director of the Center for Civic Engagement at BU, wrote in an email. “Our students and other young people are involved in social issues in many ways, from volunteering to activism, but may not always realize the important role of local politics in their lives. Seeing other young people run for office or participate in the political process can go a long way in motivating others to get involved.”
March for Our Lives brings gun violence awareness with Artivism event
Caroline Doherty
MFOL is an organization that lobbies for effective change against senseless gun violence. Chapters of the organization have popped up all over the United States, including Binghamton University, allowing for more youth to become involved in creating a safer environment for themselves and their peers. Following the shooting, millions came together all over the United States to “March For Our Lives,” protesting against violence and lobbying for change.
Tips on coping with Election Day anxiety
Krishna Patel
As Election Day rapidly approaches, tensions are undeniably high and intense for everyone, regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum. In the midst of a global pandemic, increasing climate catastrophes, an economic recession, civil rights movements and more, many of our lives will be impacted based on the outcome of this presidential election. This coincides with college students having some of the highest levels of stress in recorded history. With an active life-threatening disease going around, being thrust into one of the worst job markets of the century, a semester with no breaks and an increased workload, the last thing we need is the state of our life changing drastically depending on who is in power come January. That being said, here are some tips to help cope with Election Day anxiety and minimize the stress of uncertainty associated with it.
Politics and protest through music
Lakhsmi Chatterjee
Music has been an active form of protest for centuries. Since the beginning of American history, songs have signaled times of revolution and political change. The classic children’s song “Yankee Doodle” itself was originally a protest song British soldiers used to sing to make fun of Americans during the Revolutionary War until Americans reclaimed it as their own and started singing it with pride. In the 1960s and ’70s, many songs were written by popular artists to decry Cold War policies, the American draft of soldiers into the Vietnam War and to support the civil rights movement. Today, amongst marches calling out police brutality and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, music still plays a significant role in furthering political movements, marking the history of protests and being used as anthems during marches. Here is a list of some important political songs from American history.
Embrace your role in history and vote
Guest Author: Julia Walker
“I am writing to state that I sincerely hope you will exercise your right to vote. Just as your professors often tell you in class, participation counts — and the stakes right now are sky-high.”
This election is much more than battle for the presidency
Colin Mangan
” This isn’t merely a referendum of Trump, or the desire for a ‘return to normalcy,’ this is a battle over what this country should look like culturally for decades to come.”
The American democratic process is riddled with obstacles
Seth Gully
“If we actually want the government to start working for us, it starts by breaking down all the artificial barriers, direct or indirect, that stop us from exercising our full political autonomy.”
