Students voice opinions about local elections

Campaign signs for local candidates can be found all over the city, and the school’s entrance is definitely no exception. In an exciting and controversial election year marked by unprecedented federal candidates, where do local politics stand in students’ minds? When questioned about their status as registered voters, several students indicated they were not sure if they were registered, if they planned on voting, or both.Cilena Cantu, a senior majoring in business administration, explained her decision not to vote locally. “I thought about it, but, the truth? I know a lot of the people running, and I don’t know who to choose,” she said. “I couldn’t vote solely based on political qualifications; I feel like my decision would be biased, based on rumors and personal relationships.”Cantu also expressed her disappointment and frustration with elections.”I don’t think I’d be making a difference. I don’t think anyone who votes does. Everyone votes for friends and family,” she said.Asked whether he will vote in this year’s local elections, Robert Vasquez, registered voter and education major, answered, “I don’t know.””Usually my dad drags me with him, or he reminds me on the last day to vote,” he said. “I really do not follow politics.”Vasquez added that his father has been very influential in his political views.”I also ask my dad who he likes, and that’s usually who I go with. He is a smart man and follows politics, so he knows what he is doing. I trust that decision. I know I should get into politics more, and I will-I just don’t know when,” Vasquez said.Geoffrey E. Daves, a mentor with First Year Success Program, is a registered voter who feels strongly about his involvement in local politics.”I am going to vote in the local elections. Why? Because I feel that it is my duty to voice my opinion and support the candidates of my choice,” he said. “I choose the candidate I believe will best fit the position, regardless of political party.”However, Daves remains suspicious of politicians in general. “I feel many candidates say what voters want to hear instead of what they want to accomplish if elected to office,” he said.Michelle Whitlock, an English major, is yet another registered voter.She said, “Yes, I will be voting in the local elections. I feel that part of being in a community is about voicing your opinions on what is going on around you. I also think that by voting we contribute greatly to the decisions that directly affect us in our community. It would be nice to see more people doing the same, especially during local elections.”Whitlock also explained her voting process.”I look at what each candidate is willing to do and has to offer as an individual and a leader. I then decide what is in my best interest and important to me before I vote,” Whitlock said.Rolando Santos, a junior majoring in communication, cannot vote due to his resident status; however, he stated that if given the option, he would “definitely” take advantage of the voting privilege.Santos, who has been a resident of Laredo for nine years, has a mixed view of local politics. As a member of the media, he claims he has heard many stories about candidates which have affected his opinions of them.”I really don’t know what to think,” he said. “I guess it’s all fair and square; every one [of the candidates] has a chance to speak their minds.”As for the cluttered campaign poster trails, Santos said, “Candidates need to approach people in a more effective way and communicate with people. They can’t just put signs up; they need to campaign and talk to voters.”Santos points out that the only examples he has seen of candidates reaching out to the community are one picture of Pepe Salinas talking to locals and a Christmas message to voters from Judith Zaffirini. While he is glad to see new campaigning tactics, Santos worries about the effect that religiously-charged messages from candidates can have on a voter’s decision.”People don’t judge candidates based on their platforms. Voters may think, ‘Well, he’s Catholic like me, so I guess I’ll go with him.’ But what some candidates say they believe might not be what they practice,” he warned.Overall, while students vary in their beliefs on whether or not their votes make a difference, most agree rumors, hearsay, and limited access create mistrust in local politics.