Letter to the Editor: Student Votes Crucial in Elections

I disagree with Jane Simonton’s piece “Knox Deserves Proper Representation” (Sept. 20). The gist of her argument is that students probably shouldn’t vote in Mount Vernon local elections.

I do agree that you should be an informed voter. But I find Ms. Simonton’s position ironic when the Collegian has done such good work informing students about local political issues prior to recent elections.

If you are a U.S. citizen of voting age and a resident of Gambier, then you are a full citizen of this place. There’s no waiting period for your rights to kick in except the 30-day residency requirement before Election Day. You are not a second-tier voter.

On the November ballot, there will be a levy in support of Mount Vernon schools. Many of your professors and other Kenyon employees have children who attend those schools, which include Wiggin Street Elementary School in Gambier. In recent years, school levies have been decided by narrow margins. Your vote could be crucial. And having quality local schools helps Kenyon attract and retain good employees. So, the school levy vote matters to you and to Kenyon’s future.

Please register and vote. All the way down the ballot. Registration closes on Oct. 9. Don’t suppress your own vote.

— Kyle W. Henderson ’80, Associate Vice President for College Relations