The 2022 midterm elections are one week away, and the rhetoric swirling around the campaigns is intense.

There's high interest and high stakes over party control of Congress and the state houses.

Hello, I'm Daisy Wheeler.

And I'm Charlie Berman.

Welcome to Shifting Democracy.

This is the second of a four episode series produced by Lafayette College students, the Policy Studies Program and PBS 39.

The series takes a hard look at the issues, the candidates and the democratic process from the point of view of Lafayette students.

Shifting Democracy is a partnership between PBS 39 and the college's policy studies program, a collaboration that builds communications, teamwork and problem solving skills.

The series consists of 430 minute episodes three leading up to the election, and one post-election follow up.

Shifting democracy is made possible by generous gifts from two Lafayette alumni, Bruce McGinn and Christopher Kane, and with the support of Lafayette's Gladstone T Whitman 49 Fund.

Let's get started, Charlie.

Thanks, Daisy.

Young people vote less than all other age demographics.

Lafayette Senior.

Middle and Larson explores some of the reasons why and what organizations on campus and beyond are trying to do about it.

Lafayette College students often come to campus as first time voters.

Many young people are learning about the election process and how to cast their first ballots.

The challenges associated with that are something Lafayette Government and law professor Stephanie Chan has studied.

Based on your research and political participation, do you notice any significant voting trends in the US?

One thing that's really important is that younger people are not voting as much.

People of color immigrants don't vote as often as white older individuals, particularly in midterm races, which are not as salient and not as popular to vote in as a presidential elections.

Reasons for the disparities among young voters are varied.

There's a theory in political science called the resource model by Verbier Salzman and Brady that really looks at whether or not you have the time, the resources to go and vote.

These are not equally distributed across different demographic groups.

We can think about voters in college and residential colleges.

You might be very distinctive, but for the first time you might be changing your address very often.

So maybe you're registered to vote at your parents address and you need to change that registration.

You might also be moving every single year from dorm to dorm.

So if you voted in a midterm election as a freshman, as a junior voting in a presidential election, you might need to go and change your address again.

So there's a lot of different complicating factors.

While young voters face challenges.

Students and faculty at Lafayette are finding ways to encourage young voters.

Deja Jackson is a senior involved with a campus organization called Lafayette Votes.

And Lafayette Voters, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to mobilizing college students in general.

The organization's efforts, I thought, were very effective as Lafayette managed to become one of the highest student turnout campuses in the state for for the 2020 election.

What are some of the things that Lafayette does to increase Lafayette student voter turnout?

So we have a couple of things.

One of them is our social media presence, for we try to raise awareness of voter participation.

For National Voter Registration Day.

We did a bit of tabling to try to get students to register to vote here in Pennsylvania.

Andrea Blake is a first year student eligible to vote for the first time in 2022.

All of my friends are voting for the first time this year, which definitely makes it very exciting with the midterm elections.

Pollock is in Jackson.

Hear from many of their peers.

A particular challenge for Lafayette students is that many come from out of state.

A lot of people are originally from out of state and are going to school here, and so they need to navigate the process of canceling the registration with their county in their home state and then registering to vote here in Pennsylvania, which is something that a lot of students have to navigate.

I'm a New Jersey residents, but I registered to vote for the first time in Pennsylvania.

And no matter what, it'll be a good experience for me to learn more about the process of voting.

Other campus initiatives also focus on promoting student voter participation.

Shirley Lu is a managing editor of the Lafayette newspaper.

Shirley says the newspaper strives to make a difference.

What are some of the things that you guys are doing to get students more politically involved?

For this week's issue, we're releasing a voting guide for voters in Pennsylvania sort of listing the different candidates and what their policies are to help make people's decisions easier for them.

And, you know, we're like a nonpartisan source of information.

We're not biased.

We don't belong to any political party.

We're not associated with student government or the school.

So students, I feel I can trust us for unbiased information while working to encourage their peers to vote.

Students have ideas on how changes to the current election system could spark greater participation.

Civics education wouldn't stop at fifth grade.

It would continue throughout your life, throughout your education and Election Day would be off for everyone.

Mothers would be able to get child care, to be able to go and vote, just like get rid of as many barriers as possible in order to like get to polling locations and to get the information required to make informed decisions at the polling station.

Youth Vote is another organization working to inspire young people to become more politically active.

They say it's important because encouraging active civic engagement among young adults may have effects that last far beyond the 2022 midterm elections.

The mission of the youth vote is to make sure that we work with young people.

It's a collaborative effort.

So we work with educators, grassroots organizers, teachers, all in partnership to make sure that students are registered, but also that they understand why voting really matters.

Right.

And that they understand that being civically engaged is more than just voting.

It's also participating in other ways to really use your voice to advocate for the changes you want to see in the world.

So there's holding leaders accountable and then again, really advocating to create change in your schools and your communities in, you know, all aspects.

What are some of the ways and some of the events that you've held to help students become more politically involved?

We're planning a huge event where we're going to have students come to City Hall and we'll have music and food and all those things.

And then students will actually march to the ballot box, request their early vote mail in ballot, and then vote on vote early day.

So really trying to create different ways to one educate but also change that culture around voting so that it's more engaging for young people.

What impact do you foresee young voters having on this midterm election in Pennsylvania?

It's going to really let people understand that young people are paying attention when they're engaged and really doing that work to let leaders know once they're elected.

Now we plan to hold you accountable to doing the things you promised when you were campaigning for office.

Organizers of both Lafayette Votes and Youth Vote say they have more work to do encouraging student participation.

They plan to continue their efforts well past the 2022 midterms.

And I definitely am willing to vote and definitely use my voice and research what I can do to make America a better place.

Young voters may play a crucial role in 2022, and that includes the race for Pennsylvania Governor Joseph Pence.

Adeline Wagner and I assembled a student panel to discuss what young voters make of the major candidates and their positions.

Hello, I'm Quinn Waldron and I will be moderating this panel.

Mastriano has pledged legislation that would ban abortion after six weeks of pregnancy and does not include exceptions for rape, incest or parental health.

SHAPIRO would veto any legislation that would further limit access to abortion in Pennsylvania, where state laws allows abortions to be performed up to 24 weeks into a pregnancy or longer.

Sophie, will the election outcome in Pennsylvania have an impact even beyond the Commonwealth?

I think that any state that changes their state legislature, state constitution is going to signal to other states that have conservative members who have been wanting and waiting for this moment to change abortion laws.

Ever since Roe was put into place, this has been a long term goal of many conservatives in the nation, the conservative parties in our government.

So I think the impact is going to be immense.

The outlawing of abortion rights in Pennsylvania is something that's gravely important to most of Jersey.

I feel like most of us are pro-choice.

Well, Kristen mentioned that most of our generation is pro-choice, but really, if you start breaking that down, it's more of like a qualified statement.

Generally, most Americans, right, they favor allowing abortion in the first trimester.

That's like more than 60% of Americans.

But after that, right after three months, the majority do not favor allowing elective abortions.

And really like Pennsylvania, it's like a lot of these states, neither can is actually running on the platform that the majority of Americans a majority of voters would actually want.

Well, SHAPIRO really is running on a platform that does align with what the abortion rights laws have been in this country and federally for the last almost 50 years since Roe v Wade was handed down in 1973.

So Shapiro's 24 week rule is pretty standard and keeps the abortion rights in Pennsylvania pretty much what they've been since Roe.

And a host of polls.

Inflation is the number one concern among Americans.

Christopher.

Is inflation a top concern for our generation?

And if so, do you think either candidate has a solution?

Neither of the representatives actually put out concrete plans to deal with inflation and demonstrate how it can be concretely resolved over the next few years.

That said, I think a major concern of our generation is also debt relief.

Many of us in Lafayette are incurring debt to go to this university.

So how do these forces actually deal with that?

Is also a significant issue that when you consider you look at top priorities for Gen Z, it's debt relief, it's climate change, it's subsidies and it's also getting a job.

If you want to get rid of inflation, you have to cut spending.

You have to cut climate change spending.

If you want to get rid of inflation, you have to raise interest rates, which hurts businesses a lot, which means we can't get jobs.

Travis Do you think that climate change is a pressing issue among our generation?

And should it be at the forefront of this election?

I think this generation, more than all others, is almost obsessed with climate change, mostly because it's it's going to be, you know, us when we're old to be affected by it.

So, yes, absolutely.

I think it should be at the top of everyone's mind now.

Maybe the policies of SHAPIRO and Mastriano should be altered a bit.

SHAPIRO, I think, should give real standards and real plans to cut carbon emissions and reach net zero by 2050.

And I would completely disagree with the withdrawal, but would advocate a reform of the RGGI to give those give tax rebates back to the citizens of Pennsylvania.

Those of lower incomes work in industries who work in fossil fuels as well as the gas and coal industries.

Therefore, we need to keep these people in mind while we implement these policies or else we're actually going to further class the divisions that we already have.

To conclude this segment, Monica, do you think the Pennsylvania candidates for governor are connecting with young voters?

I would say yes, but not necessarily because of their own efforts.

I think that young voters are trying to connect with the candidates themselves.

I see a lot of political activism from our generation on both sides.

And it's it's really inspiring to me.

However, I would say, like, the candidates themselves should be doing a better job of using social media and their platforms that we are on to make their message known.

I totally agree that there's it's coming from us.

It's not coming from them.

And we're saying, hey, we're here.

We want to be involved.

Listen to what we're saying.

We are asking for very specific policy changes.

We want our civil rights protected.

We want our future protected economically and socially.

I think what our generation really values more than anything else is authenticity.

So the moment when a Pennsylvanian runs for governor that, you know, engages with Gen Z on a real level and acts like a real human being, I think that's the day that you're going to see a politician connect with Gen Z voters.

Thank you all for joining us today.

It's been a wonderful discussion.

At Lafayette International, students account for roughly 12% of the student body students who are getting their first close up look at the American election process and all that comes with it.

Rennie Mochrie is one of them.

She asked fellow international students to share their impressions with student interviewer Yasmine busier.

Hello, everyone.

My name is Don Bossier and I'm a dual citizen of Pakistan in the United States.

I currently serve as a president of the International Students Association here at Lafayette College.

Now, most international students don't get to vote in the US elections.

That leads to a disconnect between their awareness and interest and the local affairs in ground reality.

However, I think that international voices and perspectives need to be considered and need to be heard.

Because when these students come to the US and commit to a four year college, they're committing to living here for at least four years because more often than not they seek employment opportunities and graduate school opportunities once college is over.

So naturally US policies affect them, their loved ones and their broader life in general.

And that's not just including immigration policy and visa situations.

So on that note today we spoke to five international students here on campus, a Russian, a Chinese, a Ukrainian, a Taiwanese and an Indian to get their sense and their perspective on the broader US political climate and how they fit into that context.

Does American politics affect your day to day life here, and how does that work out for you.

At this juncture in life?

A lot of the decisions that we're making regarding whether we complete our education in the US, how much of scholarship we receive, what are my job opportunities after graduating?

What can I do in the US as a student?

A lot of these decisions depend on the US government, the US politics, the political dynamics here.

What can policies affect my daily life?

They affect my family's life.

Back home in Russia, in Ukraine, Belarus, Israel.

The amount of support that the US demonstrates to the to the Ukraine, the amount of military support and financial support that they provide, definitely has an impact on my family in the way that the more military support Ukraine gets, the less out of the chances that Russian cruise missile will strike my house.

And what's your opinion on the record level of political polarization in the United States?

Has it completely surprised you or is it a bit familiar, given the political climate where you come from?

It's appalling to see how just really dramatic it is.

And it's kind of amusing.

But also it worries me because in the future, how will these two parties, knowing how aggressive they are to each other, how will it affect my future?

How will it affect my family's future?

How will it affect my friends.

When forming an opinion on a US politician?

Do you look towards their international views through national politics views and the foreign policy views?

And if you do, is that in general or towards your specific country?

The US, in fact is one of India's biggest allies in the system, and I feel like this good relation does bring a lot of benefits for me as an individual, especially in terms of how easy it is for me to get a visa to the US.

For example.

The US politics on Europe or China or Middle East.

They have often direct impact on the Russia-Ukraine war.

I do believe in American power to end this war.

Both, you know, the war like for Ukrainians and the tyranny for Russians.

And that's why I think it's my priority right now.

Is there any other issue of US politics that concerns you or is of the most interest to you?

Definitely immigration policy.

How is the US government's going to have, you know, probably job placements or green card situations?

They're also afraid that all our relatives won't be able to get visas to visit us in this.

In many times going here for status, you know, may mean that's your you will be just separated from your family for four years.

Do you find yourself discussing U.S. politics with other students on campus who may be locals?

I myself was helping an organization of several events about Russian-Ukrainian war here on campus.

I was collaborating with a Russian in Eastern Department, with ISC and those organizations.

I do attend.

Political.

Discussions that.

Take place at Lafayette, organized by the students, organizations and others to young American voters who are heading into the midterm elections.

Do you have any piece of advice or suggestion that you want to pass on to them?

We always say that phrase, but people don't realize the significance.

Every single vote matters.

Be wise about who you're voting for, what you're voting for.

Look at the policies that are the views that either party have at this point, and then try to make a judgment from an unbiased perspective.

First of all, I have to thank them for the support they've been demonstrating to the Ukraine.

The side, the polarization, the bipartisan support has been very important and I just want to say that.

Pay attention to.

The candidates you're voting for.

What are their views on the Russia Ukraine war?

If they support military support the support of Ukraine, because it's very crucial at the moment for me personally and for a lot of people.

It may seem that it's happening like really far from you, but it's not.

It's this big world is actually really small.

So that concludes our conversation.

Thank you to our international students who shared their valuable feedback and perspective with us today.

Democrats and Republicans are battling it out for control of Congress, governorships and state legislatures.

Up next, a battle for campus bragging rights.

Senior Fritz Pingel organized a game show pitting Lafayette College Democrats against the College Republican Club.

He calls it party clashes.

Hello and welcome to Party Clashes, the game show.

I'm your host, Fritz Pingel.

Party Crashers is based on PBS's 39 iconic Scholastic Scrimmage with two big twists.

First, to keep the game within the scope of our overall show.

The questions today will all be focused on politics in the 2022 midterm election.

Something our teams are deeply invested in.

Second, the participants come from the leadership of the Lafayette College, Democratic and Republican clubs.

They'll be competing for bragging rights, of course, as well as a $250 donation to the winning club.

Just like Scholastic Scrimmage.

Party crashers requires rapid recall, specific factual information, and as they like to say, scrimmage is not necessarily indicative of academic training.

Okay, here we go.

I'll ask questions until the time expires.

The team with the most points wins.

Let's begin.

Buzzers ready?

Here's our first toss up question.

It's an economics one which heavily used currency to the US dollar, famously passed in value during the 2022 summer.

Historically, a massive shift.

What the euro?

That is correct.

Also, you don't have to answer in the form of a question.

The next question is a bonus question for the Democrats, and it reads Which famous Supreme Court case established the process of judicial review.

Creating.

Marbury v Madison.

Opposing.

Marbury v Madison?

Correct.

This question is again a toss up.

Who are the Democratic and Republican nominees for the US House in seven?

The Democratic.

Nominee is Susan Wild and the Republican nominee is.

Lisa Scheller.

That is correct.

And now for a bonus question, which Lafayette alumni Class of 1994 is running for reelection in a New York State Senate race in 2022?

The answer is Anthony Palumbo.

Next, toss up, which Lafayette alum, class of 2007 is running for reelection in a Florida state Senate seat in 2022?

Travis Hutchinson.

I'm sorry, that answer is incorrect.

Democrats, do you have an answer?

All right.

The correct answer was Travis Hutson.

We're very close to that.

The next question, what is the most amount of money that an individual can donate to a candidate for Pennsylvania state Senate, Pennsylvania House of Representatives or other Pennsylvania statewide election Democrats?

$2,900.

Unfortunately, that answer is incorrect.

The Republicans do have an answer $2,500.

That answer is also incorrect.

I'm sorry.

It's a bit of a trick question, though.

There's actually no limit on the amount of money that someone can donate to a statewide candidate in Pennsylvania, as well as ten other U.S. states.

So next question.

Who are the two major party candidates for Pennsylvania's open federal Senate seat in 2022?

John Fetterman and.

Dr. Mehmet Oz.

That's correct.

A bonus question for the Republicans now.

Which Pennsylvania congressional district covers most of the Lehigh Valley.

And seven seven, the seventh.

District?

That is correct.

For another toss up now.

What is the maximum amount that any individual or organization can donate to a candidate running for federal office or political action committee in the entire 2022 election cycle?

$2,900.

I'm sorry that answer is incorrect.

Republicans do have an answer.

2000 $902,500.

So they also attract.

So it's $2,900 per election.

However, in the entire election cycle, there's two elections, the primary and the general.

So the total is 50 $800.

Next toss up.

Who is the current US Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell?

That's correct.

A bonus question for the Democrats now.

These organizations can legally fundraise from individuals, corporations, unions and other groups without any legal limit on donations.

However, there are limits on their ability to donate to specific candidates super PACs.

That is correct.

And now another toss up.

What economic indicator is currently motivating Federal Reserve policy?

That'd be.

CPI.

Or inflation.

That is correct.

And now a bonus question for the Republicans.

If President Washington is our first president, what number is President Biden?

He's the 46th president.

That is correct.

And now for another bonus.

Sorry, a toss up question.

Who are the two major party candidates for Pennsylvania governor in 2022?

That would be Josh SHAPIRO and Doug Mastriano.

That's correct.

Now, bonus question.

In recent years, has the amount of money donated to American political campaigns grown or shrunk ground?

That is correct.

For a toss up.

Which Supreme Court case institutionalized the practice of separate, equal?

Answer Plessy v Ferguson.

That is correct.

And now a bonus question for the Democrats.

What is the 52 week high of the S&P 500 rounded to the nearest hundred dollar?

I need an answer.

No, I heard the answer was $4,800, which Lafayette Alumni Class of 2011 is running for reelection in a Pennsylvania state representative seat in 2022?

Aaron Calver That is correct.

And he is the final Lafayette alumni that is running for election in 2022.

It's interesting that all three of them are actually running as Republicans.

No major party candidate has elected to receive public funds for a presidential election since what's a year?

And this is a bonus for Republicans.

Bush two four.

I'm sorry, that is incorrect.

The correct answer was 28.

How many justices are currently seated on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court?

Six.

That is correct.

There's actually seven seats, but there's one vacant at the moment.

So the correct answer is six.

And now what is the current federal funds effective rate?

And this is a bonus for the Democrats.

I need an answer.

3%.

That is correct.

And now for a toss up in what ruling, did the Supreme Court decide that states with strict limits on carrying guns in public violate the Second Amendment?

Need an answer?

What is D.C. v Heller?

Unfortunately, I was incorrect.

The correct answer was the New York Rifle and Pistol Association versus Bruin.

Thanks.

Toss up.

What decision allowed for corporations and unions to donate to and for specific candidates and causes?

Citizens United, the FEC.

That is correct.

And now the bonus question, according to election data, and what year did the Republican Party last win a national election by popularity?

And what candidate won it.

In.

2004?

And George W Bush?

That is correct.

And it brings us to the end of the match.

The final score is the Lafayette College Democrats.

110 and the Lafayette College Republicans 45.

Great match between two excellent teams.

Congratulations to the Lafayette College Democratic Club.

You're the winners.

To our audience at home.

Thanks for watching.

I'm Fitz Pingel.

And remember, vote on November eight.

And that's it for the second installment of our Shifting Democracy series on behalf of Professor Mark Crain and the Policy Studies Program at Lafayette College and our partners at PBS 39 and Lehigh Valley Public Media.

Thank you for joining us.

Good night.