SONDER 2 | Page 14

Op Ed: Be Informed

Hi! My name is Cody Bright, I recently graduated with a degree in Government: Politics and Policy and am pursuing a Masters in Politics and Public Policy. I was born and raised in the great State of Iowa; Iowans are known for doing two things: picking corn and picking Presidents. Ever since I was little, I have dreamed of being the future President of the United States. I have met many presidential candidates; both Republican and Democrat, and have interned for our United States Senator, Joni Ernst. I have volunteered for political candidates ever since I was 7 years old, and am still actively involved.

If you have turned on your T.V. within the last six months you may have noticed that there is a presidential election going on, every channel you flip to, you are bound to see a commercial from a candidate. I am not here to tell you who to vote for, I trust that you will research it for yourself and come to an educated conclusion. Instead, I want to stress to you the importance of letting your voice be heard.

meet the candidate.

Election Day is November 8th, it is less than three months away, it is not too late to get out and volunteer. You will learn so much about the game of politics and gain appreciation for those who run for office!

Who knows maybe someday you can volunteer for the Bright Campaign in 2040.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I don’t vote because my vote won’t change the outcome”? Well, if you’ve heard that or said that, you’re wrong! In 2000, President Bush beat Al Gore by less than 600 total votes in the State of Florida. Just think; if six hundred people decided to stay at home instead of voting for President Bush in Florida, Al Gore would have become President. The ability to vote and voice our opinions freely, without repercussion from the government, is truly a blessing and a privilege we should not take lightly.

Due to the expensive costs of high costs of running a campaign, campaigns rely heavily on their volunteers to spread the word. If you have never volunteered for a candidate, I suggest you go and try it! Find a candidate who represents your views, and head on down to their campaign office. Campaign offices never turn down free help; their staff will walk you through everything. There are a few ways you can volunteer; you can make yard signs, phone calls, knock on doors, and represent the candidate at special events. Volunteers quickly notice their favorite way to help, personally, I hate sitting behind a phone-calling people. Instead, I would rather meet voters face to face and listen to what is important to them. Most campaigns will even give you a t-shirt if you volunteer and the opportunity to meet the candidate.

**Sonder Magazine does not endorse any particular candidate.**