Citizens of Metea, a non-partisan civic organization at Metea Valley, hosted their annual Candidate Fair on October 7. The club invited local political candidates to talk about the value of being politically educated in how our community governs itself.
The Candidate Fair took place in the LMC, welcoming all students to listen and learn about the candidates themselves and how the local government works. They also introduced how the election process affects them as part of the county. Citizens of Metea hosted the candidate fair as a way to highlight the importance of being aware of who your political candidates are, their values, and how local governments function.
AP Euro and AP government teacher, Susan Fuhrer addresses the importance of candidacy fairness to students.
“We want students to be able to make an educated choice without the negativity that we so often see on cable news,” Fuhrer said. “I think just really giving students a chance to meet someone on one, that’s our goal.”
Students in attendance were provided bingo cards to help immerse themselves in the experience of being a voter and to encourage them to talk to as many people as possible.
Today, in an era of social media, where trends, information, and opinions are internationally shared, we often become bombarded with what we see online. “People are less inclined to accurately judge the truth of a headline when asked about sharing or otherwise engaging with it on social media,” according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
In the 2024 presidential election, voters across America are focused on political views, global tensions, and conflicts between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Voters take into consideration what they have and haven’t accomplished, the remarks made to one another, and if they are qualified to be president. With all the attention directed at Harris and Trump, many other candidates went without notice, such as Robert F. Kennedy and Vivek Ramaswamy.
With candidates going unnoticed and an influx of political opinions surrounding us through social media, local organizations work hard to teach and remind young voters of the importance of their own opinions, and being educated in the values that candidates are promoting. The current chair of the Naperville Township Republican organization, Andy Manno says, “You have to get in the game and make sure that democracy works…Make sure that information is being spread, make sure that every voter is educated on the issues, educated on the candidates because an educated voter means that we have a stronger democracy.”
Janet Yang Rohr, a State Representative, believes that student involvement is extremely important for political decision-making.
“The students have seen in their peer groups, in their classrooms, wanting change, and we have made those changes,” Rohr said. “That includes making sure that we’re taking care of student mental health, and the things that are important to them.”
Junior Avni Bajla, a student running one of the advisory tables at the fair, expressed why she believes that the candidate fair is a great opportunity to learn more about your role as a voter in politics.
“I think it’s beneficial to come to this fair as a student, especially if you’re close to being able to vote, or able to vote because you get to learn a lot about candidates, our local government, and how much that can really impact you,” Bajla said.
As the U.S. Presidential elections quickly gain speed, so are local elections. Voters are encouraged throughout the event to be civically engaged and voice their beliefs at the local level, and continue to the national level.
Here are the candidates running this year:
Jerry Evans: Jerry Evans, for the 11th congressional district, is a Christian, husband, father, and political outsider. “Being a husband, father, a small business owner of a music school, as well as being a teacher, I believe we need to be focusing on making sure life for our next generation is going to be brighter and brighter and brighter.” (Republican) (40 yrs)
Bill Foster: “I want the students of today to have the same opportunities that I had when I was there when I grew up and went to school.” Foster is running for reelection in Illinois’ new 11th Congressional District. Before his scientific career, Foster was a successful businessman.(Democrat) (69 yrs)
Patty Gustin: She is running for reelection to DuPage County Board district five. “We should all treat each other fairly and not have some predisposed opinions about anybody.” (Republican) (69 yrs)
Nicole Prater: Running for DuPage County Recorder. “The biggest beliefs that we’re putting into office are self-integrity first, service before self, and excellence in everything one does.” (Republican) (Unknown)
Janet Yang Rohr: Running for state representative for the 41st district. “I work with students directly on those bills, and so I make sure that their voice gets to Springfield and that their bills get turned into law.” (Democrat) (Unknown)
Hannah Billingsley: Running for state representative for the 49th district. “I love the energy of young people. They are our future, and so getting the time to hear where they’re at, what they’re thinking about, and listening to their questions, not only gives me the chance to figure out where their head is at how to serve them better.” (Republican) (36 yrs)
Jennifer Barron: Running to keep the seat of current circuit court judge in DuPage County. “I also volunteer with the Giffords Center against gun violence, which is something very important to me.” (Democrat) (49 yrs)
Kenton Skarin: Running for the vacant seat of Illinois Third District Appellate Court. “We need to have courts that we can be proud of, and we need courts that are faster, smarter, and fairer.” (Republican) (Unknown)
Anna Schiefelbein: A write-in candidate for the U.S. House to represent Illinois’ 11th Congressional District. “We believe in the youth, Innovation, and the Green New Deal. We also believe in a ceasefire now, and I’m running so I can represent the majority line.” (Independent) (Unknown)
The hope of the candidate fair is to motivate students to contribute to their community positively and prepare them for their future role as a voter. Students filled out bingo cards, spoke to candidates, and learned more about future careers and the logistics of running and holding office as candidates in a smaller sector of government. Organizers too enjoyed the event and were happy to see everyone making the most of the experience.
“It went better than what we expected,” Zoe Rountree, political director of Citizens of Metea, said. “I think everyone had such a great time. I hope that it was insightful for everyone. Everyone left with something new.”
