Last month the League of Women Voters was on campus registering students to vote. Now it is up to us to cast ballots next month, but before then we should spend time educating ourselves not unlike prepping for another campus exam.

Originally, this was intended to address Measure H which all San Mateo County voters are considering by Election Day. It especially matters to us here at Skyline because Measure H is a $338 million bond issue needed to upgrade facilities here and at CSM and Canada.

Normally, older citizens and property owners like me tend to vote no because, on limited incomes, we often oppose spending issues. Furthermore, younger voters tend to skip mid-term elections because there is no electrifying Presidential contest. Your battle for those funds is uphill but winnable.

In 1970 I took my first Skyline class (History) in Building 8. I have taken more classes since then and my son has also—in Building 8. Now I am taking Geology—in Building 8. These aging facilities take a beating and there is need to upgrade many throughout the district. You have the vote.

This election has more at stake though for all of us. Have you seen that TV ad about doctors being tested for drug usage? You agree? Vote Yes on Proposition 46. But listen to what your Yes vote will also do.

According to the voter pamphlet, malpractice damages for pain and suffering “would be increased from $250,000 to $1.1 million.” Since lawyers receive a percentage of settlements it is no wonder lawyers placed this on the ballot and are spending mega bucks to get it passed. Someone will have to pay those higher settlements. We premium payers will indirectly finance these settlements so it may be your wallet from which these larger settlements are drawn. You have the vote.

There is another TV ad, against Prop 45, wherein the announcer derisively asks if you want one politician in Sacramento determining how much we pay for healthcare. Before you vote No on this one read the pamphlet and then make up your mind.

It is clear; this state proposition will only impact rates for individuals and small groups. The “Politician” who will “approve” the rates is the elected state Insurance Commissioner who heads up an office that already “approves” (and disapproves) what is included in insurance policies.

Did you miss it? That was not a typo. That “Politician” does not and will not “set” rates but will now be able to “approve” a company’s rates or send them back to the insurer. Currently, no one decides the rates we pay….except insurance companies. You have the vote.

Proposition 2 will pay back state debts (like those bond issues) faster so we will not have to pay interest for longer periods. Sounds good, aye? If passed this will force politicians to transfer half the general fund revenues to repay debt. You can’t make up this stuff.

Can you guess where general funds go now? Part of that sack of money goes to our schools so if the sack shrinks…..so…..maybe will campus maintenance, salaries, course offerings, you name it. You have the vote.

I could do another guest column on the politicians we elect but you get the point. Voting is darn important even to brand new voters and to you, tomorrow’s leaders. We may feel like we exist on our own little isolated campus but we have the responsibility to reach out and impact our society on election day. You have the vote.

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Are you a citizen and will be 18 by November 4?

You have until October 20 to register to vote.

https://www.shapethefuture.org/voterregistration/