Letter from the Editor
In the coming days, millions of ballots will be cast for the 2024 presidential election. Voters will storm to the polls to decide on both national and local issues. While early polls are already open, election day is the final day for ballots to be filled out. Numerous seats are up for grabs and issues to be determined, so getting out to vote is drastically important.
In this magazine, is a guide to everything you need to know ahead of the big day. When you start filling out your ballot, you will have everything you need to know come decision time. Voting is a tremendous opportunity to have an impact in your community and your singular vote truly has a meaning.
So, whether this is your first time scribbling in the circles or have no clue what is on the ballot, The News Record Election Guide has you covered! Providing you with all the key information you need! With insight into all the key candidates, a breakdown of issues, and details how to vote.
Our team has been working tirelessly to get you prepared for Nov. 5! Please make sure to go out and vote because your voice matters! Go Bearcats!
STAFF MEMBERS
Editor-in-Chief | Aidan Leonard
Managing Editor | Isabella Zinchini
Multimedia Editor | Lydia Schembre
News Editor | Rowan Hetzer
Chief Photographer | Maylea Salmon
Features Editor | Emma Helbling
Sports Editor | Tyler Easterday
Opinion Editor | Chloe Hall
Opinion Reporter | Alanna Marshall
General Reporter | Lucas Griffith
Features Reporter | Brooke Burkhardt
News Reporter | Hajra Munir
Sports Reporter | Brianna Jones
Designer | Abigail Raubenolt
Business Adviser | Bob Jonason
Editorial Adviser | Jenny Wohlfarth
AIDAN LEONARD | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
What is on the Ohio 2024 ballot
ISABELLA ZINCHINI | MANAGING EDITOR
Voters to shape redistricting, medical rights and legislative term limits
American voters are set to consider a range of impactful ballot measures that could shape their state’s laws and governance for years to come. Ohio’s initiatives represent several significant potential changes, reflecting larger national conversations surrounding democracy, public health and governance. Among these proposals are several amendments which tackle pressing issues facing Ohio and the United States today.
HERE’S A CLOSER LOOK
Issue 1: Citizens Redistricting Commission Amendment
Summary: This amendment would overhaul Ohio’s current redistricting process by replacing the existing politician-controlled system with a new Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission. The commission would consist of 15 members of various demographics: five Democrats, five Republicans and five independents. This panel would be responsible for drawing congressional and state legislative districts, ensuring that they reflect the state’s partisan preferences. Current or former politicians, lobbyists and political consultants would be prohibited from serving on the commission
Arguments For: Proponents argue that the amendment would make it illegal for politicians and lobbyists to gerrymander districts, thereby ensuring a fairer and more transparent process. It would prevent the manipulation of district boundaries for political gain and restore power to the people.
Arguments Against: Opponents argue that the commission could create unaccountable bureaucratic bodies with too much power. They claim that the plan could force certain gerrymandering requirements into the Ohio Constitution and allow for unpredictable district outcomes.
Medical Right to Refuse Amendment
Summary: This proposal would establish a constitutional right for individuals to refuse medical treatments or procedures without facing discrimination or penalties. The amendment addresses personal autonomy over medical decisions, including the right to reject vaccines and surgical procedures. It also aims to protect patients from being denied employment opportunities or other services based on their medical choices.
Arguments For: Supporters view it as a necessary safeguard for personal reedom, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arguments Against: Critics argue that the amendment could undermine public health efforts and lead to broader societal risks, especially in cases of highly infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.
Stickers given out during National Voter Registration day, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. KJ GARMONG | CONTRIBUTOR
Lifetime General Assembly Term Limits Amendment
Summary: This amendment would place a cap on the number of years an individual can serve in the Ohio General Assembly. Legislators would be limited to a specific number of years in office, potentially capping total service.
Arguments For: Supporters say that term limits prevent career politicians from establishing themselves in power, as well as promote fresh ideas and new leadership.
Arguments Against: Opponents argue that term limits could weaken legislative expertise and make the General Assembly more reliant on unelected officials and lobbyists.
Secure and Fair Elections Amendment
Summary: This initiative focuses on changing various aspects of Ohio’s election laws to enhance security and voter accessibility. This would include stricter voter ID requirements, increased transparency in ballot handling and more early voting opportunities. The goal would be to secure elections against fraud.
Arguments For: Proponents view the amendment as essential for protecting election integrity and restoring voter confidence.
Arguments Against: Opponents believe the amendment could create barriers for vulnerable voters, particularly among marginalized communities.
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Preview of Presidential Candidates
LYDIA SCHEMBRE | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
The former President has once again found himself as the Republican nominee. After years of teasing his campaign, Trump announced his run for the presidency in 2015. With former Indiana governor, Mike Pence by his side, he became the 45th President of the United States. After a controversial four years, he was not reelected and lost to Joe Biden. He has decided to run again and has had success connecting with not only his core voters but several undecided voters. To diversify his ticket, he picked Senator JD Vance as his running mate.
Economy: According to the Trump administration’s platform, they are going to improve the economy in five major ways. First, by cutting regulations. The platform says, “Republicans will slash Regulations that stifle Jobs, Freedom, Innovation and make everything more expensive. We will implement Transparency and Common Sense in rulemaking.” They will also make Trump tax cuts permanent and no tax on tips, fair and reciprocal trade deals, reliable and abundant low-cost energy, champion innovation.
Immigration: Trump has always been clear about his views on immigration. The official platform says that Trump will; enforce immigration laws, begin the largest deportation in American history, create strict vetting, put an end to sanctuary cities, and finally ensure that the legal immigration
system puts American workers first.
Reproductive Rights: Trump has been credited for causing the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the court case that protected the right to an abortion. This gave the decision of abortion up to the states. During the Presidential debate Trump made it clear he would not sign a national abortion ban if given the opportunity.
Harris started her career in the government as the attorney general in California and served from 2011-17. She then became the Senator from 2017-21. In 2021, she became the first woman to be sworn in as Vice President of the United States. After President Joe Biden abandoned his bid for reelection–she was named the Democratic Party nominee.
Economy: In Harris’ official policy book, she will improve the economy by helping Americans afford rent, invest in small business’ , invest in the American Innovation and Industrial Strength, create security and opportunity for workers by building a care economy, strengthen opportunity in communities across America, protect Americans ability to retire with dignity, and finally make our tax code more fair and promote growth.
Immigration: While Harris’ policy book does not state anything specifically on immigration, how-
ever her campaign team has said her position on immigration is the same as the Biden administration. Stating at the Democratic National Convention in August, “unauthorized border crossings are illegal.” Harris also said she wants to “Create an earned pathway to citizenship and secure our border.”
Reproductive Rights: Harris has always supported the Pro-Choice movement. On her website it states, “As President, she will never allow a national abortion ban to become law. And when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom nationwide, she will sign it.” Her running mate, Walz, was the governor of the first state to pass an abortion protection bill.
Third-party voting: Pros and cons
LELA WALKER | CONTRIBUTOR
There is a stigma that third parties are said to be a “wasted vote” in presidential elections, but they still possess qualities to continue to stay relevant in American politics.
In the United States, third parties are those that exist outside of the typical Democratic and Republican parties. The most active third parties include the Independent Party, the Green Party, the Reform Party, the Constitution Party, and the Libertarian Party.
Third-party candidates aim to provide an alternative option by challenging the major parties and being role models for change and inclusivity. The options that citizens can choose from in this election include candidates like Jill Stein, Chase Oliver and Cornel West.
There are important pros and cons to pay attention to when deciding if voting for a third-party candidate is right for you.
Voting third-party in this upcoming election
When casting your votes in this upcoming election, it is vital to recognize the significance of your decision. While voting for a third-party candidate in a system dominated by two major parties may seem appealing, it carries potential risks. It is essential to carefully consider your options and make an informed choice that aligns with your beliefs and values.
KAMALA HARRIS
DONALD TRUMP
Jim Berns waves to cars to support presidential candidate Donald Trump on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. LYDIA SCHEMBRE | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
PROS CONS Pros and cons of voting third-party
Third-party candidates show the many limitations of having a two-party system by going against the status quo while championing a wide array of ideologies, giving voters the opportunity to choose from a plethora of backgrounds.
Since only having two candidates to choose from can be discouraging, third parties provide more options to feel independent and to vote for issues that may not be represented by the two major parties.
Ralph Nader, who ran for president in the 2000 election, is an example of a third-party candidate that was able to make a difference while falling outside of the two-party system. Nader ran as a nominee for the Green Party and ran on a base of consumer protection, environmentalism and government reform. Though Nader only received 2.7% of the vote, he was still able to bring awareness to several significant issues.
According to a Gallup poll, about 60% of adults in the United States believe that both the Republican and Democratic parties do a poor job of representing the American people, and that a “third major party” is necessary for the citizens to have their voices heard.
Having a third option is not the easiest when the two-party system has been set in stone for over two hundred years.
The political system is structured in a way that makes it nearly impossible for third parties to win, especially for a presidential or other federal position. More political parties represented on the stage may lead to confusion, divisiveness and animosity.
For third parties to even have a chance at winning a federal election, there needs to be a change in the structure of the electoral system, as the U.S. elections are currently set up in a winner-take-all system, with finances and efforts often only going to the two main parties. Third-party candidates typically have less resources and visibility than the other major parties, making their outreach for voters limited and their influence almost minute.
However, candidates also can cause the spoiler effect, where third-party candidates draw votes away from major party candidates, leading to the election of a candidate that people preferred the least. For example, Jill Stein garnered over a million votes for the Green Party and Gary Johnson won over four million votes for the Libertarian Party in the 2016 presidential election.
Subsequently, many people saw Hillary Clinton’s loss to Donald Trump as the fault of third-party and independent candidates taking away millions of votes that could have counted towards her victory.
Preview of Vice-Presidential Candidates
LYDIA SCHEMBRE | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
JamesDonald Vance grew up in Middletown, OH: which is approximately 35 miles from the University of Cincinnati. After being raised by his grandmother he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in Iraq. He went to Ohio State University and then Yale for Law school.
After living and practicing law in California, Vance decided to move back to Ohio and started a non-profit aimed at helping disadvantaged children and victims of drug abuse. Within a few years the organization ended. He considered running for Senate in 2018, but claimed it was not good for his family at the time. However, he decided to run in 2021. After receiving an endorsement from Trump, he secured his place in the U.S. Senate. He was sworn in on Jan. 3, 2023.
During his time as senator, he has introduced bills such as the “Dismantle DEI Act of 2024”. Which would eliminate all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs from the federal government.
His first 100 days in senate were mainly focused on the crisis happening in East Palestine, after the train derailment incident occurred. Vance introduced the Railway Safety Act, a bill to help prevent something similar from happening again.
As he has been campaigning with Trump, the senator has faced backlash about some of the things he has said about Trump in the past. He once said to CNN, “I’m definitely not gonna vote for Trump because I think that he’s projecting very complex problems onto simple villains.” He since then has said he has grown and changed his mind as he has gotten to know Trump.
Tim Walz is the current governor of Minnesota and has been involved in politics for almost 20 years. Growing up in Nebraska, he served in the National Guard for 24 years while working agricultural and factory jobs. Attending Chadron State College in Nebraska, Walz
was a teacher and a football coach.
Walz started his political journey as a member of congress and held his seat for 12 years. After being elected to congress, and reelected five times, Walz decided to run for governor. Walz was governor during the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests, which originated in Minneapolis.
He was reelected as governor, and helped pass legislation to protect abortion rights. He made Minnesota the first state to do so. He notably also passed legislation that allows undocumented immigrants to get their drivers licenses’, free lunches for students, and legalized marijuana.
Since starting his campaign with Harris, he has become known as the fun-loving midwestern dad. Having made appearances at both the State Fair and the Michigan vs Minnesota football game. After the Vice-Presidential debate, he gained support. According to CNN he saw a 13% increase in favorability. He also received backlash from the republican party after he said, “These guys are weird,” to describe former President Trump and running mate JD Vance.
JD VANCE
TIM WALZ
JD Vance held his first solo campaign rally as the Republican Vice Presidential nominee at Middletown High School on July 22. LYDIA SCHEMBRE | CITYBEAT
Everything you need to know about voting and voter eligibility
EMMA HELBLING |
As Nov. 5 – election day – approaches, lots of questions are still looming about how .voting works, especially for college students. We’ve rounded up some of the most frequently asked questions about voting and some helpful answers.
If I’m living in my college town away from home, how can I make sure I cast my vote?
Good question. If you’re currently attending college away from home, there are a few steps that can be taken to make sure you cast your vote on Nov. 5. Make sure to register to vote using your permanent address in your hometown and use your college address as your mailing address on your registration. Lots of states will allow you to request mail in ballots, and many states allow you to send your mail in ballot to your university address. Be sure to check out Ohio’s mail in ballot guidelines, and make sure to request a mail in ballot at least seven days prior to the election.
If I show up to my polling station by 7:30 p.m., can I still cast my vote?
Yes! As long as you are in line at your polling station by no later than 7:30 p.m., you have the right to vote, so make sure to stay in line. If you are turned away by any polling station workers before this time, reach out to the Ohio Voter Rights Coalition via phone at 866-OUR-VOTE.
If I’m voting in my hometown, how do I find where to vote?
Typically, if you are choosing to cast your vote in person, you’re required to vote in your home county. In Ohio, you can check your polling station on the Voter Search Database, just enter your first and last name along with your home county and if you are registered to vote, you should have access to your polling station in a matter of seconds!
What if I’m studying abroad this semester and will be out of the U.S. on election day?
No worries! You can vote from anywhere in the world so long as you are a U.S. citizen. Just ensure that you have requested your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) by at least Oct. 7 to ensure its arrival by Oct. 29 - one week prior to election day.
What if I’m over 18 but don’t have my driver’s license? Can I still get an ID to vote?
In Ohio, BMV’s will issue free State of Ohio ID cards to anyone 17 and older who does not currently hold a valid driver’s license.
This is my first time voting, what do I need to bring with me to the polling station?
While each state typically has its own individual set of requirements, you typically only need some form of state or federal identification.
What if I just moved to a new permanent address, can I vote here?
In most cases, unfortunately not, but this depends on the state. In some states, you can register to vote and use that as your permanent address immediately, while in others you must be living there for a certain number of days before it can be considered your permanent address. We recommend checking your home state’s requirements on Rock the Vote’s website.
What if I forgot to register to vote?
Unfortunately, Ohio does not allow any same-day voter registration, so all voters must be registered to vote on Nov. 5 by no later than Oct. 7.
Preview of Ohio’s Senate race: Brown vs. Moreno, Vance to potentially lose seat
LUCAS GRIFFITH | GENERAL REPORTER
As one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the Senate plays a key role .in shaping national policy. Ohio currently holds two Senate seats, occupied by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) and Sen. JD Vance (R), Trump’s running mate in the upcoming election.
With Brown’s seat the only one officially up for election this year, the stakes are already high. If Vance and Trump succeed in the presidential race, however, Vance’s seat could also become contested.
The contest for Brown’s seat is particularly tight, with him leading challenger Bernie Moreno (R) by just 2.2%. As of Oct. 4, 2024, Brown polls at 47.0% compared to Moreno’s 44.8%, according to The Hill’s average of 24 polls.
JD Vance
While Sen. Vance’s seat is not up for grabs during the 2024 election, if elected, Vance would be forced to vacate his Senate seat in Ohio. This would lead to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointing a temporary senator while the state conducts a special election to elect a new senator.
Both the Moreno and Brown campaigns were contacted for statements, but did not provide them at the time of publication.
Bernie Moreno
Moreno, the Republican candidate, is campaigning on the belief that Ohioans have been neglected
Bernie Moreno, the Republican challenging Senator Sherrod Brown in Ohio, attends Vance’s rally at Middletown High School on July 22.
by career politicians like Brown and incumbent President Joe Biden.
Moreno’s campaign outlines 16 key priorities that he believes are vital for Ohioans. His platform focuses on securing the borders, ensuring election integrity, combating communist China, supporting Israel, defending the Second Amendment, implementing term limits for Congress, and opposing wokeness, cancel culture and socialism in the United States.
As of Oct. 3, 2024, Moreno has picked up endorsements from notable Republicans such as Donald Trump, JD Vance, Jim Jordan and Ted Cruz. Historically, Ohio voters have maintained a relatively even split between party support. Ohio
Republicans tend to align with Trump and his endorsed candidates, as seen in the state supporting Donald Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, and this trend seems evident in Moreno’s campaign, as indicated by the close margin between him and Brown.
Sherrod Brown
Brown has served as one of Ohio’s senators since 2007, and this year’s election has presented him with the closest margin he’s faced since taking office nearly two decades ago.
Having campaigned on a wide variety of different issues since his first campaign, Brown’s 2024 campaign strategy appeals to many of the modern democratic talking points. His main campaign issues this time around include border security, Medicare and Social Security, standing up to special interest groups, and focusing on workers and the economy, specifically how all these issues affect Ohio.
Brown explains that one of his integral beliefs stands that neither party has succeeded in resolving issues on the southern border between the U.S. and Mexico. Brown was a vocal backer of the “Fend off Fentanyl Act”, which provided sanctions and anti-money laundering statutes in a hope to curb the opioid crisis and the fentanyl that is making its way into the U.S.
Preview of Ohio’s First Congressional District race: Landsman vs. Sonza
In a pivotal race that could influence the balance of power in Congress, Ohio’s First Congressional District is set to choose between incumbent Greg Landsman (D) and challenger Orlando Sonza (R), each promising to address the issues facing the state and nation amidst a backdrop of hyper-partisanship.
The House of Representatives is responsible for making and passing federal laws, representing the interests of constituents and overseeing government activities, with members serving two-year terms based on population distribution across states. Ohio’s First Congressional District contains Cincinnati, Warren County and the Hamilton County suburbs to the east, including Anderson Township, Indian Hill, Montgomery, Madeira and Blue Ash.
As of Oct. 8, 2024, Landsman has a strong 93% chance of retaining his seat in the district against Sonza, according to an analysis by The Hill, which uses a dataset of over 200 base features that includes economic indicators, measures of the political environment (both national and local), candidate traits and campaign finance reports.
Landsman and Sonza discussed many of the issues that matter most to voters in a debate hosted by WLWT on Oct 1, 2024.
Greg Landsman
Landsman, a Cincinnati native, has represented Ohio’s First Congressional District since winning the seat in the 2022 midterm elections. Before that, he served on the Cincinnati City Council from 2018 to 2022.
“At Cincinnati City Hall, I worked to pass the largest eviction prevention program in city history, which kept thousands of children and families in their homes,” Landsman said in a statement obtained by TNR.
When Landsman ran for Congress in 2022, he pledged to bring a fresh, bipartisan, transparent, reliable and accountable leadership style to Washington, D.C. In 2024, Landsman is running on the premise that Ohio voters want someone to end the hyper-partisan chaos and extremism that has dominated national discourse for years.
Running as a Democrat, Landsman tends to subscribe to more left-leaning policy initiatives. One major goal of his is to codify Roe V. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that was overruled in 2022 that provided federal protections for access to abortion.
“I’ll continue to be a transparent leader who gets as much done as possible for Cincinnati”, Landsman said.
Orlando Sonza
Sonza, the Republican candidate for the House seat for Ohio’s First Congressional District, has picked up endorsements from JD Vance, Mike Johnson, Steve Scalise and other notable Republican leaders in an attempt to win back the seat that was held by Republican Steve Chabot for nearly two decades.
With just three policy issues highlighted on his campaign website, Sonza is emphasizing a focused, right-leaning agenda centered on revitalizing the economy, securing America and protecting families.
Sonza believes that the economic policies enacted by the Biden-Harris Administration have significantly increased inflation. To address this, he proposes a twopronged approach: reining in government spending and implementing policies that encourage economic growth while increasing the supply of goods and services.
“...[W]here you saw the accountability that many of you are looking for right now, especially where the erosion of government and the erosion of confidence in elected leaders is prevalent,” Sonza said in his closing statement at the debate. “It comes to having a record you can proudly run on for all Americans, instead of running from.”
At the time of publication, TNR reached out to the Sonza campaign for comment, but no response was received.
LYDIA SCHEMBRE | CITYBEAT
LUCAS GRIFFITH | GENERAL REPORTER
Climate debate shapes 2024 election
AIDAN CONNOR | STAFF REPORTER
With a range of viewpoints on the matter, it is important for voters to consider each candidate’s position on climate independently. Below is a summary of the climate-related policies and positions of key candidates in Ohio in the 2024 election:
Climate change has emerged as an important topic in the 2024 election, with candidates offering differing perspectives on how to address it. The U.S. government and NOAA have identified human-made climate change as a significant issue, making it a central focus in determining what steps, if any, should be taken by elected officials.
Amy Townsend-Small, a professor of environmental science at the University of Cincinnati, emphasized the importance of participation in local elections for addressing climate issues, noting that state and local policies can have a notable impact. She pointed out that in Ohio, “many laws are influenced by the oil and gas industry,” which can affect the implementation of climate policies. One example she cited is a law allowing communities to block renewable energy projects without offering similar authority over fossil fuel projects.
Presidential Platforms
Donald Trump (R)
Trump has questioned the role of human activity in the climate crisis and has previously voiced support for increased fossil fuel production. During his presidency, his administration rolled back several environmental regulations. He has pledged to expand oil drilling on public lands and supports reducing regulations, including energy efficiency standards.
Kamala Harris (D)
Harris has emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, citing its importance during her vice presidency. She cast the deciding vote to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which is considered a major climate-related bill. She has also stated plans to hold polluters accountable for their environmental impact.
Ohio Senate Candidates
Bernie Moreno (R)
Moreno has not focused on climate change in his campaign but has expressed support for traditional energy sources such as coal, gas, and oil. He has criticized subsidies for renewable energy and electric vehicles.
Sherrod Brown (D)
Brown has not emphasized climate change in his campaign but has supported economic incentives for renewable energy projects in certain contexts, such as a tax break for an electric vehicle battery plant in Ohio.
House of Representatives (Cincinnati)
OH First district
Orlando Sonza (R) does not mention climate change on his campaign website and advocates for deregulation in general, which could affect environmental policies.
Greg Landsman (D)* has focused on environmental initiatives during his time on the Cincinnati City Council, including supporting solar projects and strengthening local climate action plans.
OH Second District
David Taylor (R) has downplayed the significance of climate change on his website, viewing it as less urgent than other issues.
Samantha Meadows (D) has stated that environmental considerations should be part of trade agreements and views climate change as a substantial national challenge.
OH 8th District
Warren Davidson (R) has questioned the consensus on climate science and opposed certain regulatory proposals aimed at addressing climate change.
Vanessa Enoch (D) views climate change as a major issue and supports transitioning to renewable energy while ending certain tax benefits for traditional energy companies.
JD Students sit in Probasco Auditorium on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 to watch the Presidential debate. LUCAS GRIFFITH | GENERAL REPORTER
In their voting era: How Gen Z is impacting the election
BROOKE BURKHARDT | FEATURES REEPORTER
With more than eight million members of Gen Z becoming eligible to vote in the 2024 Presidential election, a new era is coming in politics: the Gen Z wave.
In an independently conducted survey by The News Record, 42.9% of college students who engaged in the survey are registered as Democrat, 42.9% as Independent, and only 14.3% were registered as Republican.
Reports from institutions such as National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) show that Gen Z voters are more left leaning than previous generations, except for Millennials. By gender, females are more likely to vote left than men, who are skewing to the right.
Top political issues such as abortion, cost of higher education, and immigration are hot topics on social media, which is where many young voters advocate for change.
Political accounts such as @theyoungdemocrats, @yrnational, and @nowthisimpact on Instagram have over 1.3 million followers combined. These accounts provide political party resources to Gen Z daily, as well as the importance of voter registration.
When asked why voting was important to them, one anonymous female surveyor said, “I would never take that right [voting] for granted and will utilize it to fight for modern women’s rights, like the right to bodily autonomy and the right for adequate reproductive care.”
As the most racially and ethnically diverse group in our nation’s history, Gen Z has grown up during a time of political turmoil. Coming of age during the global pandemic, the crux of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and the Jan. 6 insurrection, young voters have lived through historical turning points within our country. These events have served as a call to action for many members of Gen Z who decided it was time to get to the polls.
More than 27% of youth voters turned out in the 2022 midterm election, according to Circle. That’s the second-highest youth voter turnout in almost three decades.
“Voting is a basic fundamental right we have as Americans,” Independent Gen Z voter Seth Kuhl said. “If we choose not to use that right, we are doing a disgrace to the country and the people in it.”
According to PRRI, voting is the most common form of political participation undertaken by
Gen Z. One anonymous male surveyor said that, “It matters more that someone votes than who they vote for.”
In
States such as Georgia, which has automatic voter registration, saw young voters flip the state to blue by less than half a percentage in the 2020 Presidential election, with 56% voting for Biden and 43% voting for Trump.
With even more youth voters turning out to the polls this November, the Gen Z wave is coming in full force. Will you cast your vote?
UC Student Government pushes for student engagement ahead of 2024 election
HAJRA MUNIR | NEWS REPORTER
As the 2024 election draws near, heightened political engagement is sweeping across college campuses, .including the University of Cincinnati (UC).
Khalid Davis, UC’s very own undergraduate student government (SG) vice president, is no stranger to the political scene. The News Record (TNR) sat down with Davis to learn more about UC and his personal commitment to empowering students to express their opinions during this significant period.
Davis says the SG believes in the crucial role of each student’s involvement in the electoral process.
“
KHALID DAVIS | UC SG VICE PRESIDENT
[We want to] show that no matter what you may believe in, that each vote counts... we want to ensure your vote counts, no matter if you believe in X, Y or Z of ideas,
”
To further drive this message home, Davis and SG are dedicated to using various platforms to keep the UC community informed about the electoral process and its implications.
“First would be sharing through Instagram, showcasing what kind of buzz is going on not only in UC but in our country through social media, one-on-one conversations and office hours,” Davis said.
Davis emphasizes the importance of student government in connecting local issues with national discussions. SG goes beyond student representation by aiming to create an environment where students feel comfortable expressing their views.
“It’s important to showcase as a student government that we’re here for you to voice your opinion... your voice and opinion matters,” Davis said. “I want to ensure that the student body does not walk on eggshells around the campus or around the student government.”
Davis’ commitment to ensuring that every student
feels heard is rooted in his own personal journey of overcoming challenges. His experiences growing up shaped an understanding of what it means to face obstacles, and now, as the student body vice president, he is determined to create an environment where every voice is valued and empowered.
“I grew up with a speech impediment, and so I was always very shy and not able to say my true opinion... But I wanted to show others that no matter what you may be going through... you truly have the power to make your everlasting impact here at UC,” Davis said.
To ensure a welcoming and supportive environment, Davis prioritizes accessible office hours to provide students with a designated space where they can approach him and address any tensions or concerns arising from the politically charged climate of the year.
“This role... has allowed me to be open-minded to any and all ideas... ensuring that not only does each person feel welcome to voice their opinion, but also that we grow from those experiences together,” Davis said.
Student leaders, like Davis and those involved with SG, are making sure UC students understand the power of their voices. Through open dialogue and active engagement, these leaders are paving the way for a more informed and involved campus, all while reminding every student that their participation is crucial in shaping both local and national solutions.
Students at the University of Cincinnati (UC) participate in a walkout facilitated by the Students for Justice in Palestine UC organization on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. FRANK BOWEN | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
more than 10 states, youth voters have massive electoral power to influence the election.
A detail shot of Student Government President Madison Wesley’s jacket. LYDIA SCHEMBRE | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Cincinnati mayor talks student impact and local elections
AIDAN LEONARD | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval officially became the 70th Mayor of Cincinnati on Jan. 4, 2022. An Ohio native, the former Ohio State and University of Cincinnati alumnus is the first Asian-American Mayor in the history of the Queen city.
Prior to his mayoral run, the father of two served as the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts from 2016-21. With another election on the horizon, Pureval stopped by UC’s campus for an interview to talk about the looming election, young people voting and the national coverage of Middletown and Springfield.
The News Record (TNR): After another record-breaking enrollment year with over 50,000 students at UC, can you speak about the impact that students have in the economy?
Mayor Aftab Pureval (AP): The University of Cincinnati, including the University of Cincinnati Medical Center are two of, if not the most important economic drivers, and not just the city, but the tri-state region. When we look at the future of growth and success of Cincinnati, so much of it comes down to our ability to recruit and retain young, diverse talent.
Having the University of Cincinnati organically recruit some of the brightest talent from across the world to come and get a four-year degree as a is a huge competitive advantage for our city, and specifically those employers looking to grow their footprint in our region.
And then it’s also just a real benefit to the city to have diverse perspectives from around the world call Cincinnati home. Whether they stay here or whether they start an entrepreneurship path, whether they start a nonprofit, our success as a community is really dictated by the success of young people in our community, and UC being a magnet and a support system for those young people is critically important to the city and sticking with students.
TNR: Can you speak about the importance of young people going out to vote, not just on national elections, but especially local elections?
AP: Given the presidential election and the US Senate election here in the state of Ohio, I can understand why most of the attention and most of the dollars are being spent on
those large national elections, and they have a profound impact on the future of the country, irrespective of what your political, political ideology or lack thereof is.
There is a very stark choice in November for President and for US Senate, and whomever wins will take the country in drastically different directions. And so, you know, it’s really a question of, what do you care about as a student?
But to your larger question about national versus local, the national elections are the sexier ones, but if you care about your local community, where you’re living. And I can understand if you’re not from Cincinnati, and you expect
to be here for four years and then move on, I can understand why what I’m about to say may be less persuasive, but if you are here and you care about the community, you want to be part of the community, and you have a sense of wanting to live in this community long term. Then who is your mayor, city council, school board members, your prosecutor, your sheriff. Those are all local elections that have a profound impact on how our region governs, what issues we prioritize, what issues we fund, you can have way more of an impact by voting and by getting involved in local elections than you can at the national level.
The opportunities are endless at the local level to make an impact and to participate.
Mayor Aftab Pureval poses at the University of Cincinnati’s campus on Sept. 23, 2024.
ISABELLA ZINCHINI | MANAGING EDITOR
TNR: What are your thoughts on the overall coverage of Middletown and Springfield, and how do you think they as a community are handling the coverage?
AP: I, and several other mayors across party lines, met with the mayor of Springfield, who happens to be a Republican, at his request, because their city is overwhelmed by the bomb threats, by the hate and by the increasing national attention that is being directed towards them.
Let me flat out say it is not true, and has been provably debunked, that anyone, including immigrants, are eating the pets of people living in Springfield. The fact that Donald Trump and JD Vance, who are running to be president vice president, continue in the face of that evidence that what they’re saying is not true. To continue to repeat that is frustrating and disappointing, and because of these conspiracy theories, the public safety concerns of Springfield are at an all-time high, both the legacy residents and the immigrants, are facing increased threats and increased concerns over their public safety.
And so first and foremost, when I look at an issue like that, I look at it from the lens of a mayor, and it is disappointing, but not at all surprising that people who are running to lead our country are prioritizing their own interests over the interests of a Republican led community that is struggling with legitimate concerns about its increased population.
To try to use Springfield as collateral damage to achieve some kind of national talking point
at the expense of black and brown people preying on stereotypes is not what I look for in a leader.
TNR: Can you talk more about your decision to come to UC College of Law and just the impact that had, not just in your career, but on you personally?
AP: UC College of Law and my time there as a student, was really one of the most impactful experiences to put me on the path for public service. What drew me to the law school was their human rights journal, which is internationally renowned, their Ohio Innocence Project, which is also internationally renowned, and their small class sizes.
Not only did I receive a top tier legal education, but the fundamentals of public service and having an international lens when approaching different legal questions, plus a built-in network of passionate and newly graduated professionals. Those three tools are invaluable to me. In fact, I use them on a near daily basis, and all of that is attributable to my time at the UC College of Law.
I knew that going into it looking to just get a legal degree, and I didn’t necessarily know if I wanted to be a lawyer, or what kind of lawyer I was going to be. Running for politics, wasn’t even nearly on my radar back then.
TNR: When people outside of Cincinnati hear “Cincinnati,” what do you want them to think of?
AP: We are an incredible city today, and our potential is limitless. And the challenge that we
have, from a national branding perspective, is not a bad one, because the challenge isn’t that people have a negative opinion of Cincinnati. The challenge is that people have no opinion of Cincinnati, and so I have worked hard with our partners at the Cincinnati chamber, Cincinnati experience, our three professional sports teams, our biggest employers, basically our stakeholders in the city to work together to create opportunities to brag about the city of Cincinnati on the national stage and to talk about Cincinnati consistently across those stakeholders.
We have a lot to be proud of. I can drop you in the middle of our downtown and you can walk to an NFL game. You can walk to a Major League Baseball game. You can walk to an FC Cincinnati game. You can walk to restaurants led by James Beard Award chefs. You can walk to the first building designed by the late, famed Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, which the New York Times called the most important building, designed after World War Two.
Over and over again, we are putting Cincinnati on the biggest stages, and we will continue to do so, because we have a lot to brag about.
TNR: What are some tips you would give to young people, but especially college students, that are looking to get into politics and where to start?
AP: Show up. Putting this year aside, so many ways venture in 2025, when all the attention will be gone from the Presidential on the U.S. Senate races, all nine council members and me, Mayor is up for election, including several judges’ races as well.
The easiest thing in the world is to show up and get involved in local politics, because there is such a demand and a need for people, for young talent to come in and help candidates run for office and get elected. And so if you’re looking, if you’re passionate about politics, even if you have no experience, if you show up to a city council member who you agree with and say, hey, I want to work on your campaign, they will give you the most substantive work that you can handle, including helping make making budgeting decisions, helping making messaging decisions, helping making strategic decisions about where to knock on doors and which events to go to if you want the most substantive work.
Even just volunteering on a local campaign, of which there will be more than 20 next year, is the easiest, most effective way to get involved. And then, if your candidate is successful, you have a potential opportunity to follow that candidate into their elected office and work on the official staff. Or if they’re unsuccessful, you’ve built up your resume to then go run or work on a larger race.
This Q&A was edited for content and clarity. The full version is available online.
From left to right: Madison Wesley (Student Government President), Aftab Pureval (Cincinnati Mayor), and Khalid Davis (Student Government Vice President) pose for a photo on Sept. 23, 2024. ISABELLA ZINCHINI | MANAGING EDITOR
Political fashion: How candidates’ wardrobe choices influence voter perception
MADELYN STEWART | STAFF REPORTER
Last month’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump saw huge takeaways regarding each candidate’s stance on immigration, abortion and economic policy, among other topics. Voters took notice of each party’s answer, as well as their demeanor on the stage and towards each other.
Last month’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump saw huge takeaways regarding each candidate’s stance on immigration, abortion and economic policy, among other topics. Voters took notice of each party’s answer, as well as their demeanor on the stage and towards each other.
But did you notice Harris’ black pantsuit and white pussy-bow blouse? Or Trump’s ardent red, white and blue suit?
While fashion and politics may not seem like a perfect match, as it turns out they are heavily intertwined. As a mirror of our time, fashion is inherently political. A type of endangered fur, a printed message, a designer brand or even a color can carry an underlying narrative or desired image. For instance, cowboy boots are a fashion icon in Republican politics, representing a connection to a simpler United States and the notion of wearing “truly American” products.
“What they choose to wear, if it’s politically
or socially charged, definitely can make a statement […] or change someone’s opinion or prove someone’s underlying opinion right,” UC Fashion Studies professor Laurie Wilson said.
We can safely assume that politicians pay attention to their fashion choices more than we think. The debate itself is a big pitch. Each candidate has an allotted amount of time to sell to you an idea of what they would be like in public office. The goal is to influence public perception majority in their favor.
But whether fashion plays a role in voter decisions remains a mystery. Deciding who to vote for based on what they are wearing can be like “going and betting on the horse where we like the colors of their silks,” Wilson said.
There are a multitude of things to consider when deciding which candidate to align ourselves with. As voters, it is our job to be educated on every facet of each candidate and use that to make our decisions based on profound opinion.
“[Kamala Harris] has a strong silhouette thanks to her fitted suit and shoulder pads, which is ideal for a woman wanting to take on an important role in a male-dominated culture,” DiAysha Johnson, public relations student and Head of Marketing for UC’s Fashion Association, said.
“In terms of personal style, consistency is key. People feel more at ease and get to know Kamala as
a person when they see her often wearing the same look, which eventually fosters trust and results in votes.”
Even on a months-long campaign trail, no candidate can say everything they want to say, but they can surely look the part. Politics is everywhere—in our news, in our minds and yes, on our bodies.
“Any perception that we have is made up of our past experiences, our thoughts, our opinions,”
Fashion is one of those things that is right out in front of our eyes all the time, so if someone wants to make a public statement, one of the easiest ways they can do so is to wear something that makes that statement.
A young girl shows off the clothes she wore to the JD Vance Rally on July 22, 2024.
LYDIA SCHEMBRE | CITYBEAT
LAURIE WILSON | UC FASHION STUDIES PROFESSOR
A young girl shows off the clothes she wore to the JD Vance Rally on July 22, 2024. LYDIA SCHEMBRE | CITYBEAT
Athletic activism: How sports organizations drive political change
BRIANNA JONES SPORTS REPORTER
Historically, sports have made an impact, but in recent years, organizations have increasingly influenced the political landscape. Political campaigns such as the “Black Lives Matter” movement, Hispanic Heritage Month and many others have been showcased by organizations such as the NBA, NFL, NHL, FIFA and many more.
It began when Colin Kaepernick first protested the social injustice and police brutality during the national anthem. While his teammates stood with their hands over their hearts, Kaepernick chose to kneel as a form of protest. His actions received different responses - some were praised while others wanted him condemned for his actions. After his season ended, Kaepernick became a free agent but would remain unsigned.
This would be the first of a new age of protest in an athletic setting, while it was once a soft topic of conversation, it is now encouraged and needed today for sports organizations to help advocate for change.
As the election is approaching, organizations such as the NFL are putting out statements to encourage American citizens to vote. “The key to a healthy and vibrant democracy is active civic en-
gagement among citizens, which is why the league encourages the collective NFL family — including fans — to make their voices heard and cast a ballot in this year’s election cycle and beyond,” the NFL stated in a post on their website.
Many sports organizations use their platforms to advocate for politics and social issues. This is because their visibility can shift public opinion and prompt political action.
“The NFL has an unparalleled ability to bring people together around the game of football,”
ROGER GOODELL | NFL COMMISSIONER
“We recognize our privileged position as a national unifier and are committed to using our platform to encourage the entire NFL family to make their voices heard and help direct our country’s future.”
Other organizations, such as the WNBA and the NBA have movements dedicated to spreading awareness to other social justice issues. The WNBA continuously has the Commissioners Cup resented by Coinbase where they aim to spotlight the league’s social justice efforts. This season, the league and its partnership with Rock the Vote, a nonpartisan profit will educate fans on building the political power of young people through voter registration, education, and mobilization.
The NBA has an organization called the National Basketball Association Social Justice Coalition that provides information about many social justice issues such as criminal justice, community safety, policing, and voting rights.
These organizations also have an economic impact by contributing to local or national organizations to spread awareness and help those who are underprivileged and to give a voice to the voiceless. These organizations can also support or amplify the voices of their athletes to address issues and spread knowledge on issues.
Sports are entertaining, but these organizations do more than just provide people with their favorite football, basketball, or hockey game. They spread awareness about issues that need to be addressed, and they influence fans to be a part of the change that we need in the world.
A University of Cincinnati volleyball player wrote ‘Black Lives Matter’ on her shoe before the Aug. 21, 2021 game against University of Pittsburgh. LYDIA SCHEMBRE | BEARCATS DIGITAL
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