This summer, the fight for reproductive rights took place in our backyard as the local Planned Parenthood, situated just a few blocks away from the School of Medicine, was at risk of losing its license to perform safe, legal abortions. As the only provider in the state, a legal battle broke out over whether or not the clinic would be issued its annual license. A battle which would eventually spill over into national news.

In due time, the clinic became the face of both reproductive rights and continued struggles as the constitutional right to an abortion hung in the balance. In those moments, ground organizers came together to protect the clinic. While national news networks reported on it, local organizers were doing something about it. And while the legacy of this debate still rings true nationally, this fight to provide access to healthcare services stands as a critical reminder to not only get invested in local politics when news breaks, but to stay consistently invested.

In a sometimes dizzying ecosystem of non-stop political news, it is easy to get lost in national discourse. The Student Life editorial board does not discredit the magnitude of impact the upcoming presidential election and present administration has for voters and non-voters alike; however, it is important to remember that these conversations do not exist in a vacuum in Washington, D.C. Rather, these same debates circulate state and local legislatures, and they make a difference.

As an editorial board, we would like to encourage students to not only stay engaged with national issues in anticipation of the 2020 presidential election, but to also get invested in local politics. As students at Washington University, we are not only members of the University’s community, but of the greater area. We have a responsibility to be active members of both. Whether you are a registered voter in the state of Missouri or not, that means getting local with the issues that matter to our neighbors now.

Civic engagement comes in many forms, whether it’s knocking on doors for local candidates, attending town halls, calling local legislators or supporting a protest. Even if it’s simply showing up on election day, it all matters. Every national talking point has its roots in local issues and it is our hope that Washington University students recognize this and actively engage with the problems which circulate our local political conversation as well as their national counterparts.

Luckily, there are no shortage of opportunities. Organizations like the League of Women Voters, Metro Trans Umbrella Group, Arch City Defenders, Inc., Young Activists United STL and many, many, many more are fighting for the tangible rights of St. Louisians every day. What better way to get to know the city than to learn from and engage with those who know and love this area enough to fight for it?

Debate the national elections. Remain critical of power structures, regardless of whether they’re based, find your issues and fight for those who need it, but always remember change happens locally. Don’t just make the choice this primary season to be informed, make the choice to get involved.