Vote and let your voice be heard

To the editor:

After 10 days of traveling and researching across Europe and north Africa over Thanksgiving, it's refreshing to return to Eastern Iowa and not see snow on the ground.

Beyond the Iowa Hawkeyes' incredible season, I was excited to see that Ames has been recognized by the American Institute for Economic Research as the top college town across the country. To be honest, I've always been a fan of the progressive ideas circling down the Eastern Iowa corridor, but to hear that the community development piece has been advancing equally well out in Ames the past few decades is equally wonderful.

Traveling has given me the opportunity to reflect on my Iowa roots as I share my story with backpackers, researchers, and locals around the world. Iowa is a place I am proud of, but traveling highlights where we could improve our focus.

Our voter turnout is just over half of residents. As a millennial, I wonder what sincere difficulties prevent automatic voter registration as an independent voter at the age of 18 and move elections in 2018 from November to Labor Day, closing businesses, making a national holiday celebrating our right and abilities to select leaders to share our voices for the future across Iowa and across the U.S. It is time our voices be heard so that our communities can thrive again.

I encourage you, write to local leaders and support a united, record-setting Iowan vote in 2016. All voices heard!

Emily Felton

Monticello