Today is the day of the Democratic Party primary. I know more than half of students don’t get involved in the general election, never mind the primary, but today anyone registered in Story County has a unique opportunity to make sure that a true representative of students is sent to the state legislature.

The 45th district for the Iowa House of Representatives, currently represented by Jane Greimann, encompasses most of Ames. Greimann’s retirement has led to a robust and diverse field of Democratic candidates in the primary, but only two candidates stand out as individuals who can relate to and fight for students. In a fine example of putting beliefs ahead of pride, one of them has now endorsed the other.

So regardless of your political affiliation, I encourage you to go to the polls today and cast your vote for Tara van Brederode. She is young enough to remember what it is like to be an undergraduate and is currently pursuing her graduate degree.

She understands the effects of rising tuition. And she knows what needs to be done to curb it. She has great ideas on other issues as well — she’s not a one-issue candidate by any means — but for me, what really matters is being a dedicated fighter for lower tuition and a better overall university. Van Brederode will be one.

Even if you are a Republican or independent, you can re-register as a Democrat for this election and then change your registration back as soon as you’d like. In this district the Democrat usually wins, so it only makes sense to get involved at a level where your vote could have a huge impact. Take two minutes out of your day and make a difference for the next two years. Go vote for Tara Van Brederode.

Drew Miller

Senior

Computer Science