By The Velocity editorial board
No matter how large or how small an election is, Velocity’s stance will always be that students need to vote—and this election is no different. Change cannot be made without action, and using your right to vote is one of the most important actions you can take.
To check if you’re registered to vote during the election on Nov. 3, visit the Illinois Online Voter Application Website.
This year, Moraine Valley students are faced with a hefty ballot, but to help the many first-time voters this election, we will focus on endorsing:
- The Moraine Valley Community College district #542 referendum
- U.S. senator (one seat)
- Governor and lieutenant governor
- Attorney general
- Representative for Illinois’s 6th Congressional district
We made these decisions based on each candidate’s positions on environmental protections, LGBTQ+ protection and support, economic goals and their stance on Israel.
The Moraine Valley Community College district #542 referendum
We urge readers to vote yes on the referendum.
The referendum would issue bonds to the amount of $115 million to invest into repairing buildings, adding a new building to campus and expanding majors including Automation and Engineering Technology, Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, Automotive Technology, HVAC/Refrigeration, and Welding. Taxpayers would only see a property tax increase of $1.50 per year for homes over $400,000.
U.S. Senate
We endorse the Democratic candidate Juliana Stratton.
As a U.S. Senator, Stratton would represent the entire state of Illinois for a six-year term. She would have the power to introduce legislation, draft or amend bills, and filibuster.
She is running her campaign on middle-class support, affordable healthcare and expanded social programs. She promotes climate-friendly initiatives and investment in clean energy, alongside LGBTQ-friendly policies and protections at federal levels.
While we are opposed to Stratton’s pro-Israel stance, we acknowledge her desire for a two-state solution, and her support of legislation to place restrictions on certain weapons shipments to Israel.
Governor and Lieutenant Governor
We endorse the Democratic candidates JB Pritzker and Christian Mitchell.
Pritzker is seeking reelection for a third term, with Christian Mitchell on his ticket for lieutenant governor. He would continue to serve as the head of government for the state of Illinois. His responsibilities would include enforcing laws, managing the budget, and approving or vetoing bills passed by the state legislation.
Pritzker is running his campaign on raising wages and salaries, attracting businesses and creating jobs in Illinois. He promotes sustainable energy development, climate bill support, and environmental protections, alongside supporting LGBTQ-friendly policies, healthcare access and educational inclusion.
Historically, Pritzker has promoted a bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Israel. However, he has condemned the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, supported a two-state solution, and publicly distanced himself from AIPAC during this election.
Attorney General
We endorse the incumbent Democratic candidate, Kwame Raoul.
As Attorney General, Raoul’s role is to counsel the state’s government agencies and legislature and represent the public’s interest in Illinois.
Raoul is dedicated to enforcing environmental rules and regulations and suing industries that pollute. He will enforce civil‑rights laws, protect LGBTQ people, and enforce consumer‑protection laws—including those banning price gouging and false advertising.
Representative for Illinois’ 6th congressional district
We endorse the incumbent democratic candidate Sean Casten.
As a Congressman, Casten writes, sponsors, and votes on federal laws while representing the interests of Illinois’ 6th District.
Casten has held a commitment to science‑based policy and pragmatic economic regulation, and has backed environmental responsibility during his time in office. He is the main sponsor of the Energy Bills Relief Act, and has served on the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, where he was “integral in developing the blueprint for the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in climate action in American history.”
To be as transparent as possible, we find it necessary to mention that Casten has received over $300,000 from AIPAC. However, Casten has remained clear in his support of a two-state solution, he has remained critical of Netanyahu, and he introduced the Ceasefire Compliance act. The bill ensures that “American weapons cannot be used by the Israeli government in Gaza and the West Bank in ways that fundamentally violate American values and directly contravene U.S. interests.”
The editorial board of Velocity consists of student Editor-in-Chief Cela Brown and Managing Editors Cam Witkowski and Kamron Daniels. The board comes to a consensus on the publication’s position on important issues, and a writer is assigned to capture that position in an editorial.
Velocity is written and edited by students of Moraine Valley Community College, and they are solely responsible for its editorial policy and content. Velocity does not represent the views of Moraine Valley Community College or its faculty, staff or administration.
Leave a Reply