The Story
We know you came here *just* for the elections gossip so here is how New Hampshire is no exception when it comes to midterm election chaos. Here’s what you need to know.
Midterms? Like…exams?
No, the US 2022 Midterm Elections. First, a lil intro: midterms are like Rotten Tomatoes…but for the president, where voters have a chance of expressing their approval of Biden’s presidency. On top of that, this year all 435 seats in the House and 35 seats in the Senate are up for grabs. This midterm features some unusual variables like the looming ghost of Donald Trump, extreme republican candidates, and the constitutional right to abortion.
What about New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has a few candidates running for senate, including incumbent Democrat Maggie Hassan, Republican Don Bolduc, and Libertarian Jeremy Kauffman. It has proven to be a heated race. Bolduc’s reputation focuses on his military background to prove he is apt for the seat but it seems he’s approaching this election a little too much like a military advance. He does seem to focus heavily on things that just aren’t true. Half of his campaign is dedicated to slandering Senator Hassan and the other half to supporting his agenda which includes the “strong defense of our liberties” such as the right to bear arms and also the ban on abortion…and therefore women’s rights (aka liberty) to their bodies. But don’t blame him too harshly- his military background trained him for killing, it’s only fitting he’d apply that to the women he’s attempting to represent. The irony…
Ok so what about Hassan?
On the other hand, Hassan’s reputation as past Governor of New Hampshire, attorney, and representative of school systems in special education matters precedes her. Many of her policies are bipartisan efforts to collaborate with both parties for more inclusive economic opportunities. As the mother of a child with severe disabilities, Hassan has become a fierce advocate and worked closely with schools and various advisory committees to ensure they get the same opportunities as other children.
Any others running?
Another strong contender is Jean Shaheen, first woman to serve as Governor of New Hampshire and US Senator. Shaheen emphasizes the importance of small businesses in creating jobs, the need for clean energy, and healthcare reform accessible to middle-class families. Shaheen has potential and is also rivaled by fellow Chris Pappas. More than just his affiliation with the Puritan which he is very proud of, Pappas also has similar interests as Shaheen although he stresses his attention to creating new jobs and confronting the opioid crisis.
So what do I need to do?
Now that you have the inside scoop (unfortunately no ice cream though) on the candidates, here is how you can participate: the voting will be held as usual at Bedford High School from 7AM-7PM on Tuesday, November 8th. While New Hampshire does not offer early voting, you can request an absentee ballot by mailing or visiting the town clerk. No matter how you vote, make sure you bring an ID and lots of Elective spirit!
The Runaway…
You can’t complain about politics unless you’re doing everything in your power to make sure you’re represented! Make sure you get out there, and make your voice heard!
What to say…
When you’re sad school spirit sank (alliteration intended)
After such an incendiary issue on spirit week, it’s only fair that we do a little debriefing to cool off. Participation seemed pretty low, except on Friday (which is the easiest one, mind you). Best class t-shirt prize goes to the Sophomores. (Yes, Seniors were in last place. Please burn those shirts. We nearly had to gouge our eyes out after seeing them) There were some controversies surrounding the pep rally… Senior Zoe Santos tripped a freshman in front of the entire school during the obstacle course. It’s still unclear why she was even on the field. She’s not in student council, why couldn’t our CEO or President do the announcements – like they always have? (Senior Stuco seems a little dysfunctional this year… maybe we should make like our history textbooks and stage a Revolution…) The Star of the Pep Rally for once wasn’t a senior at all, it was Junior Chris Chong – it literally looked like his legs had turned into propellers during the obstacle course. Because of his agility, the Juniors overcame the insane cheating, and won the event but *SHOCKER* Seniors still won over all – who saw it coming? For those of you who have been to many pep rallies before, you might have noticed that there were far fewer events. We were missing Tug of War and the Relay, which are two of the best and most thrilling activities. All that’s certain is they were sorely missed. There was certainly a lot of mischief and mystery surrounding the pep rally, and not necessarily in a good way.
When your surprised school sports succeed (alliteration is still intended)
When it comes to sports, Bedford is on its way to becoming the top New Hampsherian dawg. To start off, both crew and cross country seem to be running and rowing very quick and placing high at their meets. The crowd favorite, football, has been on a winning streak besides their first game (which was really just a warmup so who’s counting that?). Anyway, the girls soccer teams seem to have this season in the bag, with 11 wins and only 1 loss for varsity and a perfect record for JV. Speaking of perfection, the girls volleyball team has ‘spiked’ their way to a perfect record of 12 wins and 0 losses- and are predicted to continue doing so for the rest of 2022. Field Hockey has shown lots of potential with 11 wins and only 3 losses, although some more support is always needed, so feel free to stop by their next home game on Wednesday! Last but certainly not least, the boys soccer team is fighting to keep itself from the ravenous pits of this newspaper and have 8 wins under their belts – and 5 loses but we will overlook those for now in light of their senior night on Friday. Finally, girls soccer have a game tomorrow and are always in need of a crowd, so be there and be loud!
Things to Know…
The ASVAB (Career aptitude test) takes place Nov. 4th. Head to counseling if you’re interested
AP and IB Exam Registration is due Oct. 23rd