Voting

When voting for candidates in a democratic country, citizens choose a candidate they think would best represent their interests. Voters can also re-elect the officials they agreed with and kick the ones they disagree with. In America, voting is a fundamental human right that the American constitution provides. However, over the past years, censuses indicate a low voter turnout and participation rate. In Massachusetts, during 1998-2008 elections, of the 60% registered voters, only 40% voted in the congressional elections.[1] What will the congress do to increase voter turnout? In other words, how will the next 4^th congressional district do to improve voting performance rate in the district? 

Nowadays, in most states, people are required to show a photo ID before they can vote. The problem is not everyone has a photo ID. Sean proposes in congress to restore the voting register. This will in turn, restore the trust in the voting process and participatory model.[2] Joe too believes there is a problem with people not being able to provide ID in order to vote. However, Joe differs slightly from his opponent Sean. Joe proposes, if elected, not supporting government that requires low income families, low income individuals to get photo ID in order to exercise their fundamental rights. Joe will push for congress in changing laws that will help support those who are on financial assistance. In addition, Joe will push for more civil groups that increase voter turnout. Two examples of civil groups are Rock the vote, an organization that helps people, in particular the younger population, to vote on college campuses. Encouraging civil groups will help bring people together. This will increase voter turnout during elections.

 

 

Work Cited

Kenneth, Janda & et. “The Challenge of Democracy American Government in Global Politics, Essentials Editions. Eight Edition. 2012 p.164-78 

            United States Census Bureau “Voting Trends in Massachusetts” http://smpbff1.dsd.census.gov/TheDataWeb_HotReport/servlet/HotReportEngineServlet?reportid=398fab72c85a12476d7f6ee708a63c75&emailname=essb@boc&filename=0328a.hrml

Sean Bielat- Joe Kennedy III Debate at Wellesley College (Part 5/7)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzMwZvXZhPE&NR=1&feature=endscreen

 

 

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[1] United States Census Bureau “Voting Trends in Massachusetts” http://smpbff1.dsd.census.gov/TheDataWeb_HotReport/servlet/HotReportEngineServlet?reportid=398fab72c85a12476d7f6ee708a63c75&emailname=essb@boc&filename=0328a.hrml 

[2] Sean Bielat- Joe Kennedy III Debate at Wellesley College (Part 5/7)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzMwZvXZhPE&NR=1&feature=endscreen

 

Same-Sex Marriage

Massachusetts has challenged the constitutionality of the defense of marriage act. This act prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriage performed in the state but reside in other states where same-sex unions are allowed. Both Joe and Sean have two very different opinions. Joe believes that marriage should not necessary be a union of a male and a female but between two parties it may be, regardless of their sexual orientation. In ensuring race to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, all key parts of the American dream, how is a possible for a congressional representative to ensure everyone’s rights in Massachusetts? Speaking on behalf of gay and lesbian community, as a possible voter, I would not feel my rights would be protected under Sean’s leadership. Although Sean proposes that the state needs a framework, some sort of legal construct, where states recognize gay marriage in one state and a state that does not.[1] His proposal on sanctioning rights to one state and not to another excludes a percentage of the American population.

 Isn’t America founded on the principles that each individual deserves to be treated fairly by the government and by each other? Sean’s values only support heterosexual relationships and not the relationships of bisexual, asexual or homosexual relationships. As a possible representative to the 4^th congressional district, the rights and freedoms in the district would need to be represented in congress. Many closet or open gay voters would not know what will be their rights under his leadership. Moreover, Joe believes in fairness. His strong advocacy for the rights of gays and lesbians goes back to the issues of fairness. If elected, Joe would argue that the government should not tell an individual who he/she can love or who he/she can marry.[2] A huge supporter in repealing the defense of marriage act, Joe is determined to push government to end the marriage act; as well as, to make sure that everyone has the rights and freedom and not be discriminated against in their work place. As a gay voter, Joe represents the population as a whole, working with a diverse population. According to Joe, individuals should feel comfortable and not “re-closet” themselves. Joe embraces the fight for fairness and equality for the people in Massachusetts and Americans across the country, the role he will play as a representative in sustaining those rights.

 

Work Cited 

The American Debate (Part 4/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnZFQMpFsGg&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

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[1] The American Debate (Part 4/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnZFQMpFsGg&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

[2] Ibid