Contrary to the statewide results, the student and faculty body voted for Jay Gonzalez for Governor and to limit marijuana retail stores in Newton, in North’s mock election.
The Center for Civic Engagement (CCES) organized the event, where participants voted during g-block this Tuesday for candidates and questions seen on real ballots for Newton and Boston residents.
“We are running this to give students an opportunity to practice voting and think about what they might do in a real election,” said CCES co-director Claudia Wu. She added that it was interesting to see what the students and faculty think about the ballot questions.
The 500 students and faculty who participated voted Elizabeth Warren for Senate, Jay Gonzalez for Governor, and Maura Healey as Attorney General. Newton students voted for Joseph Kennedy for Congress and Marian Ryan as District Attorney. Boston students voted Ayanna Pressley for Congress and Rachel Rollins as District Attorney. On state ballot questions, students and faculty voted no on Question 1, Patient-to-Nurse Limits; yes on Question 2, Commission on Limiting Election Spending and Corporate Rights; and yes on Question 3, Transgender Anti-Discrimination. Newton students voted yes on the 2-4 marijuana retail store limit, and no on the marijuana retail ban.
For many students, the mock election provided a unique opportunity to practice voting and exercise their civic duty.
“I had a little background on the questions, and thought, ‘Why not?’” said freshman Rose Giroux. “It’s my duty as someone who lives in America and has the privilege to vote.”
Echoing Giroux’s sentiments, junior Jenny Huang said, “The US has given us this right to vote, and it’s a privilege—it’s not in every country. Groups of minorities have fought for this right, and it’s a disservice to them to not exercise it.”
Sophomore Shane Hicks said that he used the election as a way to share his views on issues as he is not eligible to vote. “I’ve formed strong opinions on certain issues, and I want to express those opinions, which is why I’m voting.” He added that he plans on voting every year when he is an adult.
“Voting matters and you need to get your voice heard. If you want something to change, you need to be the change and you need to vote,” said sophomore Rebecca Graham.