Election 2020: What issues matter to Iowa Lakes students?

By Dalton Johnson, Staff Writer

In little over a month, the citizens of the United States will decide their fate. They will be voting for candidates who think best represent their values and will tackle the issues they care about. Students at Iowa Lakes Community College will be able to, most of them for the first time, have a say in the election process. Just like many voters across the country, there are issues that college students care about; but what are these issues?

According to a “Best colleges.com” article published in July of 2020, there are many issues that college students are concerned about. These issues include college affordability, racial justice, climate change, gun control, gender equality, campus sexual assault and healthcare.

These issues are important to college aged voters, but what issues concern Iowa Lake’s students? Iowa Lakes aviation student Ian Wells top issue for this election is a little different than most other college students.

“Overall probably the biggest issue is unity,” said Wells. Wells said that things are not going to get done if politicians keep fighting with one another.

“It seems like we’re more divided than ever and I don’t think we’re ever going to get anything done if we keep biting at each other’s necks,” said the Iowa Lakes Sophomore.

Wells is not the only Iowa Lakes student who has issues that he is hoping candidates address. Camden McKinney, a music education student, also has issues that concern him this election season. The top one being college affordability.

“Colleges are expensive and I plan on going and getting my master’s degree and that requires a lot of school” he said. He is hoping the candidates will be able to lower tuition costs for students.

“I would rather have something that is cheaper if not free, but I know free is not always possible,” said McKinney. 

Another top issue for McKinney is the issue of Abortion.

“I’m really pro-choice because no one should have a say in what you should or should not do with your body; especially the Government,” said McKinney.

Gun rights are another issue that is on his mind.

“I don’t feel like they should all be taken away,” said the sophomore music education student.

“I feel like the right people should still have them,” he said. McKinney says he is hoping the candidates will tighten gun laws so people who obtain them illegally will not be able to.

These issues are common place in the minds of Iowa Lakes’ students, but how can Iowa Lakes students voices be heard? There are two ways a student can vote.

First, they can go to their local polling place on the day of the election, which is Nov. 3, and vote there. Another way students can vote is by requesting an absentee ballot.

According to the website “Democracy Works,” all registered voters in Iowa will be sent an absentee ballot request form. All a student needs to do is fill out the application and send it back in by October 5 by 5:00 P.M.  If the application is approved, the student will receive a ballot.

2020 is shaping up to be a pivotal election year. Students are able to let their voices be heard this election and shape the future of our country.