by RC Miller, reporter
OMAHA – Many Americans are unaware of their State Representatives who are introducing and passing laws on their behalf.
Not knowing the state representatives is surprisingly common. According to studyfinds.org, around 40 percent of Americans could not name one local member of congress.
This year, all 435 seats in the house will be up for election and the bills that will even be considered and voted on will likely be determined by the majority party. Currently, the house is controlled by the democrats with a total of 232 seats with republicans taking up 197 seats, one libertarian and 5 vacant slots.
If Republicans hope to regain control of the house they will have to convert 21 of those seats to take control. Historically, voting in a new representative vs. retaining the one already in power is difficult at best, especially when voters are more apathetic to vote.
Dr. Gregory Petrow at the University of Nebraska Omaha believes this issue of apathy is two-pronged.
“We do know that multiparty systems have more parties and people participate more. They feel more represented and turnout goes up” said Dr. Petrow. He also explained that the amount of voting we conduct burns out voters and increases apathy.
Implementing those changes, he believes, would have a bigger impact on our elections and public engagement on issues.
