Greetings Marietta College family,
On Tuesday, November 6th, the people of our nation will be asked to make some very important decisions. In Ohio, we will elect a new governor, along with congressional representatives. Also, voters in many communities will choose local officials and decide ballot issues.
I urge everyone in the Marietta College community to vote if you are eligible. I know some of you already have through early voting and absentee voting. Thank you.
Participating in the electoral process is one of our most important responsibilities as U.S. citizens. You shouldn’t take this right for granted. Just 47 years ago, some of our students would not have been eligible to vote. At the time, the voting age was 21.
Thankfully, the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18 in 1971. Other amendments have also taken down barriers to voting, including the 19th Amendment in 1920 that gave women the right to vote. Another milestone in voting rights came in 1870 with the passage of the 15th Amendment which made it illegal to deny voting rights based on race, color or previous servitude.
It’s important for all of us to remember that access to voting by all of our citizens didn’t always exist. It has evolved to a better place and I want to encourage you to do your part and vote on Tuesday, November 6th.
Bring Forth a Pioneer!
Bill Ruud
President and Professor of Management