Today, I believe Dartmouth students can help shape the election outcome in New Hampshire and the country by voting for leaders committed to creating a more just, sustainable and inclusive future. As a Dartmouth student, you are a domiciled resident of New Hampshire, meaning the state is the principal place where you live. Therefore, you have a right to vote in New Hampshire, and what happens in New Hampshire politics directly affects your life on campus. Electing Democrats at every level of government means supporting candidates who will advocate for the issues students should care about — climate action, healthcare access, reproductive rights and social equity. For young people who want to make a difference, voting in this election is one of the most powerful ways to stand up for your values and ensure that our leadership reflects our vision for this country.
The Democratic ticket is led by Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — two leaders who have consistently championed policies that matter to young people. From advocating for student loan forgiveness to her commitment to holding polluters accountable, Harris has dedicated her career to fighting for students and working families. Walz has also devoted his life to helping others. He worked as a public school teacher and coach and, as Governor of Minnesota, promoted free school lunches, reproductive rights and tax relief for working families. I believe their combined leadership demonstrates a commitment to compassion and progress that we should be fighting to extend across the country — and that begins with our votes here in New Hampshire.
In the governor’s race, former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig is running as a leader with a proven track record of delivering results. As the first woman elected mayor of the largest city in the state, Craig brought meaningful change and leadership. From increasing affordable housing to reducing carbon emissions by 60% to defending reproductive freedoms, Craig’s experience and commitment make her an ideal candidate to lead New Hampshire into the future.
Maggie Goodlander, who is running to be the representative for New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District, is another candidate who understands the challenges facing young people. She has worked in all three branches of federal government as a Navy Reserves Intelligence Officer, Foreign Policy Advisor in the U.S. Senate and a Supreme Court clerk, and she most recently fought to find common sense solutions through bipartisan gridlock as the White House Senior Advisor for the Unity Agenda — which calls for “solving big challenges that unite all Americans.” With an extensive government background and experiences teaching at Dartmouth and the University of New Hampshire Law School, Goodlander is uniquely equipped to represent New Hampshire in Washington, D.C.
In the Executive Council and State Senate races, Karen Liot Hill ’00 and Sue Prentiss bring extensive experience and dedication to public service.
Liot Hill, a 19-year city councilor in Lebanon, has focused on economic equity and sustainability throughout her tenure. Having Liot Hill in the Executive Council will give our district a time-tested voice in Concord, a relatively unheard chamber with colossal power to approve executive appointments and contracts.
Prentiss, former mayor of Lebanon, N.H., and trauma prevention advocate, has championed healthcare equity and helped lead efforts to expand Medicare access for new mothers through the MOMnibus Bill, which she helped introduce in 2019. Prentiss knows how to reach across the aisle to get bills passed to help our district and will continue to use her next term effectively.
Our state representative slate — Mary Hakken-Phillips, government professor Russell Muirhead, Terry Spahr and Institute for Writing and Rhetoric Lecturer Ellen Rockmore — is running on platforms and experiences that resonate deeply with members of our generation. Hakken-Phillips and Muirhead are current representatives who have led the fight for reproductive rights and student voting protections in Concord. Spahr, an environmental activist and filmmaker, has been a longtime advocate in moving New Hampshire’s environmental policy forward. Rockmore also has a legal background and understands the importance of accessible education.
This election will affect our lives far beyond our time at Dartmouth. Making it to the polls will help elect leaders in Concord and Washington, D.C. who understand our generation’s concerns and will create a state and country where we can all thrive. So, let’s make our voices heard. Whether it’s your first time voting or you vote in every election, let’s show up at the polls and ensure America and New Hampshire’s future reflects the progressive, inclusive values we hold dear.
Prescott Herzog ’25 is co-President of the Dartmouth Democrats. Guest columns represent the views of their author(s), which are not necessarily those of The Dartmouth.
