As election season approaches, one Oakland University student is working to ignite impactful conversations about the significance of advocating for ourselves during the election, as it is our American citizen right.
Malachi Cattanach, a junior at Oakland University majoring in Finance on a Pre-Law track, is the president of Oakland University’s Chapter of Turning Point USA.
Malachi’s journey with Turning Point began during the Covid-19 pandemic, as a student at Oakland Community College, where he found himself frustrated with how the crisis was being handled. His beliefs aligned with what Turning Point stood for; an organization that champions freedom, limited government and individual rights.
As Turning Point’s website states, “TPUSA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to identify, educate, train and organize students to promote freedom.”
These passions encouraged Malachi to spread the importance of our rights as citizens, and he founded Oakland Community College’s chapter of Turning Point USA.
“I liked what Turning Point stood for, and I want every American to know the importance of our rights.” Malachi recalls.
As president of OU’s chapter, Malachi continues to take on responsibilities as the main point of contact for the organization. His tasks include arranging meetings, working closely with field representatives of Turning Point USA and putting on events for participants of this organization. He also takes the lead in planning events such as political watch parties, mock debates and potential speakers.
One event Malachi was looking forward to was The You’re Being Brainwashed Tour with Vivek Ramaswamy. The former Republican presidential candidate appeared on campus Wednesday, Oct. 23, as part of a series of national-wide appearances.
Malachi is also planning to attend the AmericaFest in Phoenix later this year. This large conference hosted by Turning Point USA draws notable conservative speakers such as Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Donald Trump Jr.
Turning Point USA at OU is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization, meaning they do not endorse any specific candidates or political parties. The club’s parent chapter, however, advocates for conservative politics.
“Turning Point wants your voice to be heard, regardless of your views. What is important is to voice your opinion, as it is your American right,” Malachi said.
David Dulio, Distinguished Professor of the Political Science Department and Director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University and advisor of Turning Point USA at OU, said he’s a staunch supporter of viewpoint diversity on campus.
“If a group of students want to form a student organization and reap the benefits of doing so, they should be able to,” Dulio said.
Despite the challenges often associated with getting young voters engaged, Malachi remains optimistic. He recognizes that oftentimes, voters have the mentality that their vote doesn’t matter.
“Every vote counts. It is important to voice your opinion through voting, whether that’s left, right, independent or other,” Malachi said.
Malachi comes from a conservative-leaning family, however, he stresses that his personal research during his teenage years is what allowed him to understand why he believes what he stands for. He also finds that it is important to be able to research, understand and defend his beliefs.
Malachi’s approach to handling political differences is a reflection of his personal philosophy. He believes in having calm, civil discussions with those who hold opposing views rather than engaging in heated arguments.
“You kill them with kindness,” he said with a smile. “And you win them over with love rather than hammering that they’re wrong, because that divides us and we are all equal humans.”
His involvement in this year’s election has taught him that we are a very divided society, and if we all worked together, we have the potential to create a brighter future.
He likes a quote from Abraham Lincoln, “A house divided can’t stand.”
Looking ahead, Malachi is hopeful about the future of political discourse, and has goals to attend law school after graduation in 2026. He stands by his beliefs to get involved as American citizens, as he can potentially see himself running for office one day.
His message to young individuals is simple; “Get involved, regardless of your political views and make your voice heard, especially if you are young.”
