“Our Fight Our Future” rally heads to Texas State

By Emma Peters

News Reporter

SAN MARCOS – Democratic politicians Bernie Sanders, Beto O’Rourke, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Greg Casar gathered at Texas State University on Tuesday for the “Our Fight, Our Future” rally to help students register to vote and address critical challenges facing the nation.

With less than a week until the voter registration deadline on Oct. 7, the event aimed to energize students and promote voter registration. Each speaker emphasized the importance of young voters in shaping the future of America, especially with the upcoming elections.

The rally on Oct. 1 was free and open to the public. First time presidential election voter Karah Johnson said that she was glad she attended the rally and learned the importance of young voter turnout.

“I’m super excited to get out there and cast my vote and spread the word to my other peers,” Johnson said. “I feel like the rally was good for people who were on the fence about voting because the politicians explained the impact young voters have historically had on politics.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York urged students to consider how their votes would impact future generations. Cortez called attention to the disparities that often emerge in voter turnout and representation, stressing that young voters can change the narrative.

“We know that Texas is not a red state, it is a voter-suppressed state,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “Young people in this state matter, and they are the deciding votes.”

In an interview with Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke he expressed his belief that young people will decide this election, hoping the event would encourage the student body to vote on Election Day, Nov. 5. O’Rourke noted that young voters have historically faced obstacles, but he believes that their determination and engagement can overcome those barriers.

“No one sees you coming. You have been written off by every major politician from both parties,” O’Rourke said. “That’s why we’re here. There is tremendous political power on this campus.”

Sen. of Vermont Bernie Sanders called for increased participation in the democratic process. He urged students to recognize the power of their votes and the importance of standing up for progressive values.

“This election is about whether we’ve built the movement that we need to take on the growing ochlarchy in America,” Sanders said.

In an interview with Rep. Greg Casar of Texas he urged students to recognize their potential to impact local and national issues. He encouraged attendees to think critically about the candidates and policies that align with their values.

“When young people participate, we can challenge the status quo and demand a government that works for everyone,” said Casar. “We’re at a fork in the road about where we’re going as a country, and Texas sits at the middle of that fork. Young people will make the difference in this election.”

During the event the Palestine Solidarity Committee at TXST organized a protest outside the LBJ ballroom, protesting the rally  and calling for a true end to the conflict in Gaza.

“If the Biden Harris administration wanted to end this genocide they could do it with a phone call,” said Assistant Professor Tom Alter who was a part of the protest.

O’Rourke said he believes protesting is a fundamental American right and often makes our country better.

“I’m grateful that they are out there exercising their first amendment right,” said O’Rourke. “Allowing them to say their piece, listening to them, and seeing if we can find some common ground and a path forward together, that’s what has always made this country better at every single turn in our history.”

To register to vote in Texas or for more information, visit VoteTexas.gov.