Often when you think about elections, you think about voting for the president. However, local elections hold equal importance in upholding a democratic society.

According to FairVote.org, only 60% of eligible voters voted during the presidential election. Numbers were even lower at a disappointing 40% voter turnout for the midterm elections.

This midterm election is the time to voice your opinions and stand up for what you believe in. Even though some students here won’t be able to vote, it is important that the voice of the youth is heard.

The midterm elections happen every four years, after two years of the president being elected. This year, midterm elections are being held on the sixth of November. This election includes the positions of the governor, local mayors, and state legislative chamber members (Senators, and the House of Representatives).

In addition to voting for political seats, we will be voting on local issues that impact everyone residing in Colorado. Some of these local issues include Amendment V, the right for citizens to not witness or testify against themselves in court; Proposition 112, preventing oil and gas departments from maintaining a location close to schools and homes; Amendment 73, a state tax that will be raised and used for schools all around Colorado; and many others.

But, why does all of this matter? The midterm elections are usually a reflection of the president at that time.

One example of the federal impact of midterm elections is the partisanship of the US Congress.

Right now, the majority of the US Congress is Republican. If Democrats win a majority of state Congressional positions, they will take back the house. This could mean that President Trump would most likely not be able to go through with current plans of building a wall on the US-Mexico border because of the large opposition.

Democrats winning back the majority in Congress can also lead to an opportunity for Democrats to potentially launch impeachment proceedings against President Trump.

However, if Republicans maintain majority in Congress, then current Republican plans will remain.

If these local or federal issues concern you, now is the time to stand up for what you believe in. Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you can’t practice your rights by advocating for the issues that matter to you.