The low turnout for the Nov. 4 election was all the more disheartening for me when I consider the enthusiasm with which my 8th graders tackled their study of the Constitution. They not only understand the document, but they can evaluate it for themselves. They connect it to their own lives, yet most American adults do not or cannot.
This is so frustrating because, as a teacher, I sit and listen to people express concerns over education–and oftentimes these concerns are justifiable–yet I have trouble maintaining a sympathetic attitude when people will not vote for local school boards.
This was not an election simply for those who have children in school; it was an election for all of us. As corny, trite and simplistic as it may seem, these kids in school are our future. They will determine what social services we receive.
Even if one simply takes an interest in self-preservation, kids matter, and as a result, school boards matter too. For it is school boards that can provide opportunities for teachers to dramatically impact their students, and it is school boards that, with their decisions, can hamper teachers’ efforts to teach students even basic skills and concepts.
There were other frustrations on Election Day. Having recently moved to a new home, I found it difficult to determine my polling place. It was not at the school two blocks away, but rather at the city hall a mile away. Additionally, when I got there I had the adventure of searching the building to find the polls, which were tucked into a back room upstairs.
I think it is time that the United States (Illinois can lead this charge) caught up with most other nations. Let’s vote on Sunday when the fewest number of people work. Let’s put the polls in even more desirable places. Why not the mall? Bring the disenfranchised public back to the republic.
