The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

In their own words: why don’t people vote local?

In+their+own+words%3A+why+don%E2%80%99t+people+vote+local%3F

On Nov. 7, elections took place around the U.S. But when The Daily Iowan asked five random students if they planned on voting for city council, all of them said no. On Tuesday, we decided to ask more students why they think so few Americans participate in local elections.

Sophia Ross, UI freshman

“For me, the reason I’m hesitant about voting is that I don’t know very much about the candidates. I don’t know what Iowa City really needs, so I might very easily make the wrong decision, and I think that’s what a lot of people feel like.”

Reid Clausen, UI sophomore

“I think that’s the case, because I don’t think they’re educated on who is running or they don’t even know who’s running.”

Mitchell Kasdorf, Fifth-year student

“It’s probably just because there’s not enough information that goes around. With the presidential election, you’re just bombarded with campaign ads and information all the time. But with local elections, there’s just not enough funding, so you just don’t hear about it. And people just don’t care enough.”

RELATED: In their own words: Do you pay attention to local and national news?

Lindsey Haag, UI freshman

“I think people don’t have enough information on the candidates. And because there’s so much other controversy in the news, people can’t make up a decision on whom to vote for, so they don’t vote.”

Emily Crow, UI freshman

“It’s a time commitment. People just don’t want to go and do it … where is it, actually? Oh, probably because they don’t know. Because they don’t know where it is, don’t have the time, too lazy … we kids, we barely get out of the dorms for our classes, so that’s probably why.”

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