As the fall semester begins, it is important to remember that politics affects us all. From the cost of tuition to the availability of healthcare, or the right to choose what happens to a woman’s body. The decisions made by our elected officials have a direct impact on our lives. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to politics and make your voice heard by voting.

As Editor in Chief, I am committed to keeping readers informed about the issues that matter most. In the coming issues, I will be covering national politics in greater depth, with a focus on helping students make informed decisions before they vote. Often voters who are not informed tend to vote against their own self interests without even realizing it.

People who are not informed vote for a candidate just because there is an R or D next to their name on the without knowing their policies. Everything is a culture war on the right. Republicans are not offering any new policies other than wanting to ban drag shows, books, or a woman’s right to choose. If you listen to right wing media, you will think Democrats are trying to take away your gas stove, Democrats are telling you that you can’t eat hamburgers, or Democrats are pro-pedophile. Republicans in Congress are not serious people on the issues that matter to the American public.

A big issue that is very popular with Americans is the assault on a woman’s right to choose.

Republicans in states like Alabama want to prosecute woman who leave the state or help a woman leave the state to receive an abortion and charge them with conspiracy.

Under this law if passed a woman does not even have to go through with the abortion. If she discussed with another person a plan to bring her out of state to receive an abortion she and her confidante can still be charged with conspiracy.

In Idaho legislation has been passed to prosecute anyone who drives a minor out of state to receive an abortion or helps a minor access a medication induced abortion in another state is punishable by two to five years in prison.

In Texas Republicans have passed a law that would make it illegal to transport anyone to get an abortion on roads within a city or county limits. The law allows any private citizens to sue a person or organization they suspect of violating the ordinance. The provisions have already been passed in two counties and two cities. Texas also passed a law that would make it a felony punishable by up to life in prison for a doctor who performs an abortion. They consider life to be from the moment of fertilization. The statute also says the attorney general “shall” seek a civil penalty of not less than $100,000, plus attorney’s fees.

Many states are also trying to implement six week abortion bans. Most woman do not even know they are pregnant after six weeks.

Republicans are also the party that wants to cut the WIC program which supplies low income woman with infants and children with healthy foods they need to grow. If Republicans have their way they want to force a woman to have a baby but want to do nothing to help that baby thrive.

I believe that every student has the power to make a difference, and that starts with exercising your right to vote. Whether you are passionate about climate change, social justice, economic inequality, or a woman’s right to control what happens with her own body, your vote can help shape the future of our country.

As we begin this new semester, I encourage you to stay informed and engaged. Read our newspaper, and most importantly, make sure you are registered to vote. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for all.