Becoming apathetic toward politics is easy. This is especially true in a 24-hour news cycle, an increasingly polarized national political climate and a system which privileges the Electoral College over the popular vote. Still, voting has a real impact, and there’s nothing apathy-inspiring about that. No matter how you choose to participate, we’re urging you to research candidates and issues and take an active role in the 2020 elections. The Scarlet & Black, therefore, has decided to dedicate this week’s issue to coverage of the Iowa caucuses.

We recognize that not every person in Grinnell will caucus in Iowa. However, the upcoming United States general election promises to be one of the most contentious in recent history. The future of our environment, civil rights protections and the United States’ international relationships are at stake. As a result, we, the staff of The S&B, feel that it is our civic duty as journalists to help our readers engage with the Iowa caucuses. As participants in the first event of the 2020 election season, Grinnellians are burdened with taking the caucuses seriously, no matter which candidate’s corner we’re in on Monday night.