Last week, the Villanova Democrats hosted Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon to talk about voting and the upcoming elections. The event took place in Bartley Hall on Tuesday night and consisted of a group of passionate students engaging in productive political discourse. President Annie Curtis led the discussion with her peers alongside the Congresswoman.
She first asked the Congresswoman about her legislative priorities and what issues she deemed important for voters in this election. The Congresswoman first cited protecting democracy as one of the main issues integral to her campaign and candidacy. She discussed the importance of protecting voter rights, elections and fundamental freedoms to voice opinions.
She noted that Americans’ priorities may differ by age and identity, but she discussed her devotion to acknowledging the needs of all Americans. For younger generations, like Generation Z and the Millennial Generation, she understands the necessity of discussing the environment and the threat of climate change.
Congresswoman Scanlon also discussed the importance of political action related to the economy. As members of Generation Z, she understood and affirmed student interest in bettering the economy related to the costs of childcare, housing and jobs. Scanlon also discussed reproductive health in regard to the Dobbs decision. Scanlon discussed the misrepresentation of reproductive health in politics, saying that some people assume it just means abortion.
“Abortion is just a part of standard reproductive care,” Scanlon said.
She discussed the variety of medical necessities that makeup reproductive care besides abortion.
Curtis then asked Scanlon about the role students can play in voting. Scanlon noted the tight margins in Pennsylvania and its role as a swing state. She encouraged students to think about what matters to them.
“What you vote on is bringing your voice to the table,” Scanlon said.
She understands that many students care about gun safety and the environment and encourages them to mobilize around their passions.
“There is still lots of work to do,” she said. “But it is because of younger voters that we get there.”
The Congresswoman’s Campaign Manager, Luke O’Connell, spoke on Scanlon’s willingness to meet with students and discuss the importance of voting.
“The Congresswoman loves getting to engage with students, hear about their passions and contribute to their success,” O’Connell said.
O’Connell shared his thoughts on the event.
“It was a great event led by Villanova’s Democrat student group,” he said. “The Congresswoman and our team are inspired by the passionate voice this generation is bringing to the polls.”
Curtis then asked the Congresswoman about how she stays motivated and what prompted her to run for Congress. Scanlon told students that she had never intended to run for Congress in her career, but her passions for certain issues led her to run. She told students about her pro-bono legal work and advocacy. Scanlon discussed the way Trump policies affected her clients and those who were immigrants.
“It is a spectacular opportunity to be able to serve in Congress,” Scanlon said. She told students that serving her constituents motivates her to continue her advocacy.
After the organized Q&A between Curtis and Scanlon, the conversation opened up to student attendees. Students asked questions about voting and Scanlon’s career in Congress.
Curtis spoke of her thoughts on the event.
“Meeting with the Congresswoman was a very cool opportunity to learn about how important voting is,” she said.
Curtis understands how Millennials and Generation Z make up the largest voting bloc yet have extremely low turnout.
“VU Dems really want to bring some political awareness to campus to increase voter turnout so we can really make our voices heard,” Curtis said.
“Overall I think the event was a great chance to meet our representative for those registered in Pennsylvania and get an inside look on how those running for office are feeling about the upcoming election,” junior political science student Bella Neal said.
Neal expressed some takeaways from the event and her increased interest in voter engagement.
“I think it is super important that younger voters make their voices heard as we are the ones who will be impacted the most by the election and policies from both parties in the long run,” Neal said. “I am hopeful that fellow Villanova students will go to the polls to do their part to protect our democracy, basic human rights and future generations.”
