‘Bear Vote’ engages campus with voter awareness
Published: Friday, September 28, 2012
Updated: Friday, September 28, 2012 02:09
 "Photo: Pat Nixon, a graduate student, helps members of UPC register students outside of Tobey-Kendel Dining")
Pat Nixon, a graduate student, helps members of UPC register students outside of Tobey-Kendel Dining
Samantha valenzuela
With time quickly running out to make the Oct. 9 voter registration deadline, the University Program Council provided several convenient ways for students to register Thursday.
Staked outside Tobey-Kendel Dining Hall and South Hall, the registration tents lured students in with promises of free snow cones, popcorn bags, stickers, T-shirts and chances to win other prizes from a prize wheel.
“I think it was important to register because this election is going to affect my future as a person, as a student in the age group I’m in,” said Samantha Mooney, a junior elementary education major.
“Plus, it’s kind of cool to know what’s going on in the world and what different people can bring to the table. Education is one of the least publicized issues. Us teachers — or soon to be teachers I guess — have to make people think about it.”
Members of the Student Senate donned American flags and encouraged students passing by to get registered. With this being the first year Bear Vote: Voter Registration has appeared on campus, the push to get college students more involved is very evident.
“Part of being on a college campus is developing our students to be involved citizens,” said Lauren Koppel, a senior and the social and development coordinator for UPC. “We want people to get excited to vote. It’s a way for you to be heard — we’re in that awkward young adult phase where we feel like no one ever listens, so this is one way to be heard.”
Some issues important to students include the economy, education and healthcare. The economy especially will play a determining role as to whether students will get a job after graduation.
“I registered to vote because I feel like it’s my obligation and because I have that right,” said Megan Howe, a junior elementary education major. “I’m going to vote because I can.”
Youth is traditionally a demographic that often doesn’t show up to the polls on election day. If voting is not in the forefront of a college student’s mind, it is easy to slip and forget to register before the deadline, which is why the members of Bear Vote send reminder post cards for those who want their voice to be heard this semester.
“I thought I might as well get it done with before I forget,” said Tyler Jorgensen, a freshman psychology major. “I think I will vote in this election.”
The University Center Ballrooms will provide students with a place to cast their votes on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
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