Make Iowa’s political process more inclusive

On March 12, I had the opportunity to participate in the Linn County Democratic Convention for the first time in my young political life.

Just one month before the event I was elected as a delegate for Sen. Bernie Sanders by my peers in precinct CR-42, and although this meant that I would spend nearly 13 hours preforming strange democratic rituals, I am beyond thankful for my time at the county convention.

However, as the hours stretched on and my Saturday slowly slipped away, I couldn't help but acknowledge the fact that some individuals are forced out of the political process.

For many political enthusiasts, sacrificing a Saturday to make our voices heard is more than a fair deal. That's not the case for those who have been marginalized - often members of minority communities. Though the phrase 'time is money” remains true for us all, it has more significant implications for those earning unsustainably low wages.

Having a lower income creates the necessity to work more hours in order to make ends meet. This often means going into work on a Saturday, a day many Americans consider a part of the weekend, time off work. To spend 13 hours at the county convention would mean giving up an entire day's earnings, around $64. That $64 dollars sounds inadequate to most of us, and it is. However, that small amount of money, that Saturday spent at work, may be the difference between keeping the electric company satisfied for another month, or going home to a dark and cold environment.

Minorities make up a disproportionate number of low-income individuals and families. According to a 2015 article by Kate Davidson of the Wall Street Journal, working minority families are more than twice as likely to be low-income compared to their white counterparts. These individuals are twice as likely to be unable to participate in the Iowa political process, twice as likely to go unheard.

Though by our age and apparel it was self-evident that even the Bernie supporters where living on less than our fellow liberals, we were still majority white, educated and most importantly, present. Our voices were considered, our vote carries on.

In looking around I was disturbed by this fact, and when it came time to run for positions within the Democratic Party I was elected to the rules committee. It is my hope that in this position this urgent need is addressed. I not only seek a more authentic experience as I continue to participate in the political process, but I seek the true opportunity for everyone to engage, to be heard and to vote.

This will not be a perfect solution to the problem by any means. We still need to push for platforms as a party that encourage a 'living wage”, as the Sanders supporters would say. But having those who have been impacted most significantly involved in the caucus and conventional process will help make this issue real for both the leadership and the constituents present. In a society that seeks the entire good for the entire people, we must make sure that every voice is heard, that every person can vote.

' Blakely Gardner is a senior at Mount Mercy University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in psychology, philosophy and religious studies.