On Saturday Judge Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed to the supreme court, by one of the slimmest margins in United States history, after accusations of sexual assault resulted in senate hearings of both Kavanaugh and his accuser, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. 

The spectacle was a massive exhibit of the divide in the senate, bringing out ugly sides for some, and allowing bright moments for others, as senators begin to prep for mid-term elections on November 6. One thing both sides could agree on was the their overall disgust in the political display. 

All Republicans who voted confirmed Kavanaugh, while all but one Democrat voted against it. 

For voters, the events of the last few weeks are like a case study of their senators, illuminating the power they hold in national policies and government. The Supreme Court is supposed to be one of the checks and balances, however its moderators are controlled by the senators elected by voters. For those disappointed, is there more that their senators could have done to block Kavanaugh from the Supreme Court? Are there senators in their state that voted for him? 

Furthermore, Kavanaugh’s confirmation threatens many standing policies, including Roe v. Wade and gun restriction laws. Voters must consider how Kavanaugh’s confirmation affects issues that they are passionate about, and then take those passions to the polls to support candidates who will fight for them. 

As we noted on page 9, millenials make up 27 percent of the voter population. Only 50 percent of millenials made it to the polls in 2016, and only 37 percent of those voters elected the eventual presidential winner, Donald Trump. 

Your voice has an impact. Take action. Go to the voting booth, and complete your ballot. Democracy isn’t always easy, but voting is. 

 

Email eodonnell2@mail.smcvt.edu for information on the contribution process.