At the end of February, Republicans Asa Hutchinson and Curtis Coleman and Democrat Mike Ross filed to run for Arkansas governor. Before filing day and before most were aware of the candidates and the governor’s race, a few Harding students were already involved and attending a meeting to help plan and coordinate a campaign for governor of Arkansas.
Through their own political involvement and passion for politics, these students are spreading the word about the upcoming Arkansas governor’s race and the importance of college students voting and getting involved in local politics.
“The nation was founded to be of the people,” senior Megan Lehmann, a public administration major, said. “It’s our right and our privilege to be able to vote; and not only vote, but tell (elected leaders) what we think of what they’re doing. This is the best time to get involved so that it becomes normal to be involved.”
Lehmann and senior Chris Pollreis, a healthcare management major, are volunteering for the Curtis Coleman campaign. Coleman is one of two GOP candidates for Arkansas governor. Pollreis said his and other volunteers’ contribution to the campaign is usually coordinating people for fundraisers, door-knocking, phone-calling and putting up signs for the primaries.
“I enjoy getting to know the people that I share Searcy with,” senior Mary Kate Collins, chair of the College Republicans and campaign volunteer, said. “A lot of people who go to Harding only know the people who go to Harding, not the Searcy locals.”
Reference and Theological Librarian Justin Lillard, who is a supporter of Coleman for Governor and whose wife, Stephanie Lillard, is a volunteer for the campaign, said any student, regardless of major, can benefit from volunteering for a campaign.
“It’s good to know people who understand the community and can help you understand the community,” Justin Lillard said.
Lehmann said the people who work on campaigns and who avidly support candidates are inspiring to her. She said being around such motivated people has made her more passionate about local politics.
In volunteering, Collins said she hopes to not only raise awareness for the candidate she supports, but to also help fellow students achieve a “light bulb moment” in which they realize the influence their vote and their voice can have on those around them.
Specifically in this governor’s race, Collins, Lehmann and Pollreis said they want their voices and votes to be heard regarding issues such as healthcare, education, abortion, gun rights and economic growth.
“This stuff matters,” Justin Lillard said. “If you think that it doesn’t matter who we elect, let’s look at the fate of all the states surrounding Arkansas. With the exception of Mississippi, I would argue that all of them look like they are economically and developmentally a lot better off than us. I refuse to believe that we just happen to be stuck in this situation.”
Additionally, Collins said the winner of this election will influence 2021 reapportionment, which could influence elections and party majorities for years to come.
“I don’t have kids right now, but when I do, I want their schools to be great and I want their neighborhoods to be safe,” Pollreis said. “Elections of today affect that drastically.”
To get involved with a campaign for the upcoming governor’s race, students should contact the campaign they are interested in volunteering for. Lehmann said campaigns have plenty of volunteer opportunities and “would love for you to help.”
“Christians have an obligation to seek the betterment of the world, and this is one way we do it,” Justin Lillard said. “It’s one way we can structure society and encourage human flourishing.”
