Interview with Sierra Ford ‘26: What to Know About the Upcoming Elections
Sierra Ford ‘26
With elections fast approaching on November 4, Bard’s campus is alive with conversations about voter participation, civic responsibility, and community action. While national politics often dominate headlines, it is imperative to talk about the local elections as well, as they shape our towns, counties, and immediate surroundings. To discuss the importance of youth participation, and how Bard students can make their voices heard, I spoke with Sierra Ford ‘26, leader of Election@Bard, and Speaker of the Student Body.
AA: What message would you want every Bard student to hear about voting in this election?
Sierra: Change happens at the most local level, which is why our electoral participation this November is more important than ever. It is imperative that myself, and my peers, stay informed and hold our locally elected officials accountable.
AA: What are the biggest misconceptions you think students still have about the voting process?
Sierra: Bard students, in particular, have an incredibly sophisticated understanding of societal issues and are- rightfully so- cynical about government and electoral processes. I think it is great to be cynical and question people in power, but I would encourage my community not to let their cynicism prevent them from voting. Voting is one of the most powerful ways we can communicate our desires to elected officials. When you choose not to vote, you rob yourself of that opportunity.
AA: Why do you believe student voices matter in this election, both locally and nationally?
Sierra: Young people (voters ages 18–24) show up at disproportionately low rates in the electorate. There is very little information on youth voting patterns, and politicians use this as an excuse not to take youth concerns seriously. When we do not vote in every election, we further exacerbate the lack of political representation. If we want representation, we need to continue demonstrating that we are a force to be reckoned with. I want to note that electoral participation is a two-way street; as much as young people need to get out the vote, elected officials need to do a far better job of connecting with young voters.
AA: What should Bard students know about voter registration, polling locations, or mail-in ballots specific to our campus or county?
Sierra: If you live locally (Tivoli, Red Hook), you need to re-register to vote with your off-campus address, but you can still vote at our polling site in the Campus Center. On-campus voters can show up at the polling site in the Campus Center and vote from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Campus Center on November 4th. If you are a voter who has requested an absentee ballot, you need to mail your ballot back as soon as possible to ensure it is properly counted. Any of the Election@Bard interns can help you with this. Please visit our Instagram page @electionatbard for our office hours and information.
AA: What motivates you personally to stay involved in civic engagement work during such a high-stakes election year?
Sierra: My dissatisfaction is actually what motivates me to stay civically engaged. I do not feel comfortable complaining if I am not going to take steps to make my community better.
AA: How can students stay civically engaged beyond Election Day?
Sierra: Students should hold their elected officials accountable. They can do this by attending town halls and writing to their local elected officials. Another great way to get civically engaged is to identify what you are passionate about and then find local organizations to volunteer with that align with your passions. The Center for Civic Engagement can help connect folks with organizations.
Post Date: 10-31-2025