“Voters Without Borders” Brings Students Together for Political Discussion

On Sunday, October 30th in the Seward Public Library, Jennifer Bockelman led “Voters Without Borders,” an event focusing on what it means to be a citizen, particularly in regards to the upcoming election. A small group of Concordia students offered their opinions on the election, international matters, and citizenship.

“How many voters go to the polls and vote as though it’s a multiple choice test they haven’t studied for?” Bockelman asked.

Discussion focused on how one can discern between factual evidence, assumptions, and hearsay. Bockelman emphasized how rumors and exaggerations can cloud politics and media in a way that makes discovering the truth or the most important issues difficult.

“Maybe having extreme beliefs begins to balance everything out,” one of the participants said.

“There is no such thing as one right opinion,” affirmed another.

The group acknowledged that the upcoming political decisions have international consequences, specifically regarding allies, respect, and economy via trade. The conversation turned toward the topic of open seats in the Supreme Court, which the next president will elect.

Bockelman questioned the group on what the definition of a “citizen” is.

“A citizen is someone who lives in the country, pays taxes, and contributes to society,” said one of the participants. She went on to explain her previous misconceptions, thinking all temporary immigrants were not required to pay taxes. This changed her view on who fits the criteria.

Bockelman had been inspired while attending the University of Colorado in Boulder by a conversation with her Brazilian friend. As her friend was more informed about the politics and outcomes at risk, they conversed about the issues and candidates in depth until Bockelman came to an opinion.

“When I went to the polls and voted, I felt prepared, invested, and like my “collaborative” vote (if you want to call it that) with a non-citizen was more patriotic than anything I’d ever done,” said Bockelman.

Bockelman’s intentions are to use conversation and negotiation as a way to become better informed, more proactive citizens.