Rhiannon Ingram – City of Ocotillo
Today was the election day for Girls State’s governor and secretary of state — the highest offices in the mythical 51st state. There were three candidates for each position, all passionate and determined to be elected to their desired positions.
After reviewing and learning about the judicial system in Arizona, and even some other states in the shared region, the press from each county, like me from Cocopah county, were invited as a panel of press to ask questions we feel were important for the citizens to hear our candidates answer — and we didn’t just ask ordinary leadership or personality questions.
While there were a variety of questions stemming from how we will solve the underfunding of education in our state or how our leaders will solve the issue of homelessness disproportionately affecting LGBT+ and racial minority youths, it was apparent to every citizen of Girls State that the common theme of caring about humanitarian issues was important to all candidates, which should be no surprise. Young women of our age tend to swing the same way politically and socially, due to seeing our environments for what they are and also being given the drive to do something about it. To change it. To improve it and make it a more livable place.
Whoever you have voted for, you have voted for a good cause, seen in how our governor and secretary of state candidates have answered the difficult questions about climate change, homelessness, protection of small business, and pandemic response they have received. It was a tough decision for sure, but I knew who I wanted in office and I hope you did, as well.