What political issue is most important to you? With the 2016 election approaching quickly, thinking about why we vote for the party and candidate of our choosing is at the forefront of our minds.
We asked 9 college women to explain to us what issue they find to be most important and how that influences how they vote. Check out what they said below!
“Reproductive rights are the most important issue for me, because I think for women the autonomy to do whatever we want to with our bodies is the biggest barrier to equality. This absolutely influences which party I vote for, and which politicians within that party.”
–Madison, Georgetown University Class of 2017
“I’d say abortion and birth control issues are the most important to me right now because they’re the most relevant to me. As a young women in college I feel more comfortable with my sex life knowing that these options are available to me. Should they be taken away I would be forced to rely on riskier alternatives. Currently this is the issue that determines my vote for the Democratic party, though I don’t believe a Republican president could do away with them entirely if he tried.”
-Becca, University of Maryland Class of 2017
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“The most important political issue is campaign finance reform. No other issue will ever get attention in Washington if this issue is not addressed. In order for the people to assert any agenda from race to nuclear arms sanctions, first we have to make sure that our politicians only feel a sense of responsibility to us, their constituents, and not to whoever paid for their campaign. Partisan politics relies on this. The voters first need to assert their right to elect politicians who will vote on this issue and make sure that government is responsible to the public, and therefore truly making decisions that are good for the American people. After this we can all make our voices heard on the pressing matters of our time such as wage inequality, the prison industrial complex, racism, the environment, our growing debt, and healthcare.”
-Meli, SUNY New Paltz Class of 2017
“As a woman, abortion is pretty much the top political issue for me. It appalls me how politicians, especially male politicians, believe that they have the right to dictate what I do with my own body. Traditionally, Republicans are pro-life and Democrats are pro-choice, which would make it seem like I’d need to vote Democrat if I want my voice heard on this issue. However, I refuse to vote based strictly on party alliance because I think it’s idiotic and uninformed, and so I always listen to what the individual has to say, rather than what party he or she aligns with.”
-Rachel, University of Florida Class of 2017
“The most important political issue to me this year is gun control. Mass shootings have received a lot of the spotlight and some voters are mad that the government is regulating gun shows and legal gun sales. But what people forget is that the majority of deaths from guns today are a result of suicides, and most of those guns are bought legally, which is why even the legal selling of guns needs to be regulated. This issue is important and one that needs to be addressed, which is why I’m leaning towards the Democratic party this year.”
-Lauren, University of Cincinnati Class of 2019
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“Environmental Action is a very important topic to me in politics. While I care about many issues, I have been most involved with environmental protection and action. Any candidate who ignores or disregards the importance of fighting climate change and the many environmental and social issues that stem from it, is not a candidate I would support.”
-Katie, Virginia Commonwealth University Class of 2018
“Reproductive rights are of the most importance to me, so I always vote Democrat. There are few Republicans who are pro-choice and pro-woman, honestly. I am a woman and I’m not an idiot, so I vote Democrat.”
-Sierra, Colby College Class of 2018
“While I place heavy emphasis on several issues, domestic poverty alleviation is something my vote hinges on. This includes things like urban education reform and access to medical care. Educated and healthy kids are far more likely to change their own futures.”
-Ashley, Bryan College Class of 2017
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“Economics is most important to me because I’m an econ major and also, I want things to be stable when I enter the real world. I think that a lot of the social issues aren’t issues that political parties really should have a say in.”
-Chelsie, University of South Carolina Class of 2019