California voters are about to decide one of the most controversial issues in state politics in decades, on whether to recall embattled Gov. Gray Davis less than one year after he was reelected to office for a second term-and who is to replace him if he is recalled. This is the first time in the history of California politics that a recall of a sitting governor has made it to the ballot.
     Skyline students and staff have much at stake in the recall election. And if you are not already registered to vote, you must register by Sept. 22 or you will not be able to participate in this one election that affects you directly.
     Vital issues such as increased tuition fees, reduced classes, teacher layoffs, and transfers to four year colleges are all issues we are dealing with because of the huge deficits in the state. Whoever wins the governor’s seat in October will continue to influence decisions about all these issues and more.
     The California governorship is one of the plums of the political landscape. Few states carry the clout of California, and being the governor of the Golden State can lead directly to the White House, a claim few states can make.
     The governor leads an economy that drives the nation, and steers a culture that sets trends worldwide. Californians are world leaders in computer technology, movie and music entertainment, bio-technology, agriculture, tourism, and aerospace.
     Additionally, as the population becomes more diverse, the issues concerning the populace becomes varied and complex. Governing often means walking a tightrope that balances issues against constituencies. Gov. Davis has been accused of stumbling on this tightrope and whether he is cast off entirely or recovers is up to the voters in less than a month.
     The California recall is rocking politics as usual in Sacramento as Gov. Davis tries to recover his political base. Claims of a mishandled utility crises two years ago that cost Californians billions has continued to aggravate voters. Shortly after taking office last year Davis announced a record budget deficit of over $33 billion, more than all other state deficits combined. There have been allegations that Davis hid the existence of that deficit until he won the election.
     However, supporters of Davis argue that the sluggish economy combined with unforeseen circumstances led to the problems we are facing in California, and that the recall is an outrageous violation of democracy by a few voters who did not agree with the outcome of the recent legitimate election.
     Regardless, budget woes are rife throughout the state and education has been especially hard-hit which makes our votes so vital to our futures. Students at community colleges such as Skyline have had to endure increased fees, staff layoffs, fewer classes, and reduced services. The UC system is in chaos as budget woes are forcing it to turn down qualified students trying to transfer from community colleges. All this at a time when voter apathy has reached record levels.
     California voter turnout has been steadily decreasing since the late 1950’s when non-presidential elections reached a post-war peak of about 60 percent voter turnout. In the 2002 election California achieved its lowest level of voter turnout yet-36 percent (See chart). The low 2002 election turnout is somewhat surprising given the 2000 presidential election fiasco just two years prior. That hotly contested election should have demonstrated the importance of each person’s vote as never before. It was decided by a margin of only 537 votes, so few that it preceded months of controversy and political wrangling.
     The presidency was won with 537 votes. That election should convince you that each vote does matter.
     Northern California voters have another reason to go to the polls in greater numbers: Southern California voters. The five Southern California counties that comprise the majority of the population in the South State outnumber Northern California voters by more than two to one (No. Ca. comprised of the 9 Bay Area Counties plus Sacramento County). In the 2002 election Southern California outvoted Northern California by 1.6 million votes. As such, Southern Californian’s may likely decide the fate of Northern Californians in the upcoming recall, putting issues important to Northern Californians at a distinct disadvantage.
     You have the power to decide your own fate by choosing who will guide California through the next few years. If you haven’t registered to vote yet, fight off your apathy and register now. There is no better time to get involved, become informed and make a difference.
     Here are some ways you can register:
     On the Web-go to the California Secretary of State’s web page at www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections.htm. This site also has valuable information on how to vote on the two part ballot for this election.
     Registration forms are available at your local library and post office. Send in the form before September 22 and you will be able to vote in the October 7 election.
     Call the California Secretary of State’s office: 800-345-VOTE