You can vote in the state of Louisiana.
As college students in Louisiana, we often don’t see ourselves responsible for what happens in the state. We come, we learn for four (sometimes five) years, and then we go off to set the world on fire. But we need to understand that the fight for social justice starts here. Louisiana is one of the states most affected by the important issues of our time.
Effects of manmade climate change, poverty, the destruction of the education system, and anti-LGBTQ+ policies are all major ongoing issues here in Louisiana. Our state is at the forefront of some of these issues. We need to understand that we need to fight for justice here. It is important to remember that one of the most basic ways we can fight for justice is by voting, and college students can register to vote in the state they attend college in.
Students don’t have to stay registered back at home once they head off to college. As long as you can provide proof of residence, you can participate in the electoral process in Louisiana. We stand at a time when participation in the electoral process is imperative – especially here.
In the case where a corrupt fascist is the front runner, Louisiana’s upcoming gubernatorial election presents the possibility of a terrifying result for the people of our state. Jeff Landry, a Loyola law graduate, has shown himself to act in bigoted and hateful ways, and in direct and clear opposition to Loyola’s values as a Jesuit and Catholic Institution.
As an institution and as a student body, we must agree on the fact that his Loyola law degree is an embarrassment to us. But some people – no matter how well their professors attempt to educate them on truth and social justice – are simply too set in their own power hungry ways to believe the simple truths of compassion and justice that are taught here.
Jeff Landry’s values do not represent the values of our school, and his actions and track record are in direct contrast to the pursuit of truth which all public officials are supposed to maintain. Here at Loyola, it is made clear that as people, we have a responsibility to stand up for what is right in the world.
One of the most important things we take away from our education here is that in anything we do we need to be searching for justice, truth, and a more compassionate world. While we may believe that we cannot do very much for the people of Louisiana, we can and should. Even if you don’t have the resources to make it to the polls on election day, there are ways you can still vote and still participate in the electoral process here.
Canvassing for candidates who actually care about people, donating to campaigns that fight for justice, and even just supporting causes on social media that you believe in are imperative steps in any fight against the hate, bigotry, and fascism that candidates like Jeff Landry support.
Though we’re here for a short amount of time, we can affect change in the long term. Positive change, and change that benefits the people here.
