The election is over...now, can we talk?

One hundred thirty-two students from Dr. Gabriel Bach’s government classes were surveyed the day after the Nov. 2 presidential elections to record their reaction to the political campaign.

Students answered the following questions:

1) Can you vote? This will eliminate those under voting age and noncitizen students.

2) Did you vote? Answers will help us to differentiate between those students who are alienated by the campaign, are indifferent to the election, or still confused by the political process, and those who feel empowered by voting.

3) What is your opinion about the 2004 presidential elections? This last question was to trigger the student’s preference on Election Day.

4) Students had a choice to identify themselves.
Fifty students identified themselves in the survey. Of those, 17 are either under voting age or non-citizen, 33 are U.S. citizens. Of the 33, 26 voted, 8 for Bush and 9 for Kerry, and 8 did not chose between both candidates.

Of the 82 unidentified students, 26 are either under voting age or non-citizens, 15 stated they could vote but did not. Forty-one students voted, 15 for Bush and 12 for Kerry, and 14 did not choose between Bush and Kerry.

Adding all the Bush and Kerry votes shows the following results: 23 or 52 percent favorable opinions for Bush, and 21 or 48 percent for Kerry…Incidentally, the survey results are comparable to the Presidential election outcome.

The following are a few opinions from students about the 2004 presidential elections:

Comments

“I am disappointed that Kerry lost, and hope that we do not have four more years like the last.” — Chris Bames (Voted)

“I believe that the people made the right decision. Bush got us into the war, and he’s the one who will get us out.” — Jonathan Gideon (Did not vote)

“I thought the election was very close and long. I thought that both candidates had good ideas, but I think Bush was the better choice.” — Pricilla Salazar (Did not vote)

“I was disappointed to see some key Democrats lose their seats. Being a political moderate, I do not believe the Republican party represents my demographic well.” —Shihab Islam (Voted)

“I am very upset about the low turnout of voters, especially among those 18-29 years of age. I found the election and outcome extremely disappointing. I wish more people took the time to become informed and involved.” — Miranda Newberry (Voted)

“I think that the media should not be so biased regarding the candidates. I also think that calling the election without counting every single vote does a disservice to the Americans who exercised their right to vote.” — Katherine Jones (Voted)

“We are supposed to vote on hope for America. So no matter the outcome, we all should accept the decisions of our fellow Americans.” — Ron Flores (Voted)

“I think that however it turns out, I did my part. I voted.” — Alcide Butler (Voted)

— Dr. Gabriel Bach is a full-time government professor at NLC.