UMSL hosts community political session ahead of primary

ST. LOUIS – The past three national elections have seen the highest voter turnout rates, and educating the masses on what and who they’re voting for is in part why we’re seeing these trends.

With less than three weeks until the Missouri primary, the heat is on between political candidates across the state. One local group helped ease the tension by hosting an event Wednesday in hopes of civic engagement.

Candidates from all over the state of Missouri met for a community political session at University of Missouri St. Louis. The League of Women Voters held the event, aimed at educating the public on both the bills and candidates we expect to see on this year’s ballot. 26 candidates were given five minutes to introduce themselves, what political seat they’re running for, and their plans for the community and state.

“One thing you know about me is I don’t lie to my people. I don’t lie to this community. We’ve brought over $2 billion to this community. We have done the work. President Biden has actually signed into law several pieces of my legislation,” Congresswoman Cori Bush stated at one point.

Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians were all represented at the session, with the overall tone remaining respectful. However, there was a moment where an audience member was escorted out, as she was unable to contain her passion against one of Wesley Bell’s political stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Bell, who’s currently leading in the polls against Bush for her seat, commented, “This is the campaign scene; this is the fairytales; we hear all kinds of crazy stuff. But the bottom line is the folks in this room know me. You know what you’re gonna get from me. I’m gonna show up every day and I’m gonna represent this district. I’m gonna represent your interests, not my own agenda.”

Collaboration can feel like a rare occurrence in today’s political climate. Nonpartisan events hold a special opportunity for supporters of all stances to come together at an important time. The League of Women Voters hoped to exemplify true civic engagement through fostering an impartial environment.

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