Daniel Kalils Blog #2 and reflection

Daniel Kalil 

11/3/2024

Blog#2

Reflecting on Election Matters: A Personal Journey toward Informed Voting

As this year's election season approached, I found myself feeling apprehensive and somewhat unprepared. While I understand the mechanics of voting and the importance of elections, I really did not feel that I understood the candidates, pressing issues, or even the broader election process. Election Matters presentations did that for me, because I got a more intimate look at things I wasn't taking the time to delve into, and I was able to come away more confident and informed about the impact of my vote-or, in the near future, my right to vote. I came away much more grounded in the issues at hand, having a revitalized respect for the importance of informed voting. 

Key Takeaways from Election Matters Presentations

In the Election Matter presentations, a number of topics presented have struck a chord with me and really opened my eyes.The most memorable was on immigration policies, which our group was presenting. I had never thought through completely how such a divergence in immigration policy by candidates could have profound consequences not just for hopefuls seeking to begin life anew in the United States but also in our communities and with regard to the economy. Becoming aware of the complexity in understanding immigration policy helped me realize that, all too often, government leaders hold a great deal of power in immigrants' lives regarding which opportunities they may experience or challenges they may face. The more

 I learned, the more I began to realize that the general way in which this issue has been framed has deep, personal effects on individuals and families but also crucial ramifications for our country's economy and social fabric. The prism through which I came to understand immigration policy was from the variety of candidate positions on it; this forced me to consider larger impacts this issue would have upon society in its entirety.This has made me realize that knowing each candidate's stand on immigration and how their policies will shape up in general is important. There are differences in the way candidates approach immigration reform, from a strict enforcement-based to more inclusive ways of doing so. Voting, it finally hit me, is not just about choosing a leader; it is about choosing kinds of societies. 

Immigration policy, like so many election issues, has a tangible impact on the lives of millions, and that is what really drives home the importance to me of thoroughly understanding the policies each candidate supports. 

Personal Reflection and Opinion on the Presentations

Going into these presentations, I felt really unprepared and a bit disoriented regarding this year's election.

Well aware of the gravity of voting, I hadn't really appreciated how complex some issues were-especially immigration. Election Matters presentations dramatized the shift in my perspective: to understand how each policy would require that students learn the details of every policy and not view elections simply as an exercise in the selection of candidates. I honestly, for the first time, really grasped what it seriously means to vote on setting policies which would literally be catering to the changing of people's lives, and that each vote would be toward shaping our collective future. Through these presentations, I began valuing elections as a means through which I could finally have my voice heard on issues that truly mattered and not necessarily think of voting as some sort of obligation with absolutely no connection to my life.

Therefore, if I had to enter into an election earlier, I would have approached it from the point of view where it was an obligation to participate. Now, I feel better equipped to participate, knowing my vote means a decision on whether I endorse policies and ideals that reflect my principles. I go into this election season with a much deeper level of understanding as to why involved information matters. Future Outlooks and What Is to Come

Future Outlooks comming into this election:

In-depth issues-immigration policies or other valuable policy matters-have enlightened me on the fact that each and every election has to face real-world consequences that do really affect people's lives. That being said, this knowledge makes me more determined than ever to study the policies of each candidate and to give serious thought to how they might impact both my community and the nation in general. Events such as this have literally encouraged me to stay current about political issues during the year, not just at election times.

And when next time, I really want to go into it prepared, equipped to make informed decisions. I am more likely to discuss this issue with others and share what I have learned because I now understand and appreciate that there is value in asking people around me to continue being active. Appreciating even more how this all affects us, I thus become very confident in my future as a voter and about my part in the democratic process.

The Larger Context of Election Issues

Of all the values lent to the Election Matters presentations, perhaps the most helpful insights regarded the ripple effect of governmental policy.Immigration is a policy that seems to be without complication upon first observation, but in truth, it touches literally thousands of elements in society from job markets and family structures to public services and cultural exchange. The interconnectedness of the issues reminded me even more of the need to take a more holistic view when considering each candidate's platform and seeing how their policies impact not just one aspect of life, but the overarching direction of our communities and country. Most important, the presentations reminded me of the great privilege and great responsibility that comes with voting.

Democracy is built in such a manner that each one of us can play our part in shaping the future-either directly through the voting of candidates or indirectly through raising awareness on salient issues by means of discussion. What this has really taught me is to appreciate the process of becoming informed, having conversations with others, and realizing that decisions we make at each election are stepping stones toward the society we want to create.

Conclusion:

My Last Thoughts about Election Matters Now that I look back in retrospect, I realize that the Election Matters presentations have affected me much more than what I had initially anticipated.

They prepared me not only for this election but also inspired me to take my role in the democratic process much more seriously. Through active involvement in salient issues like immigration policy, I have learned to view voting as an opportunity to ensure good change-supporting policies that reflect my ideals for our community and nation.

This experience has taught me to be watchful, knowledgeable of the political process, and engaged. From this point on, I will always approach any upcoming election with deliberateness and awareness, and for that, I am thankful. The Election Matters presentations really made me see that with involvement, we all possess one of those pieces of the power which enables us to work toward our society's improvement for all.