The 2016 presidential election is still well over a year away, but that’s not stopping local political organizers from gearing up their campaign efforts now.
Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, senator from Vermont, gathered in Opelika on Wednesday, July 29, to discuss how they will campaign on the grassroots level.
Similar gatherings took place all across the United States on Wednesday night as Sanders broadcast a speech via satellite from a home in Washington.
The meeting in Opelika was one of over 3,000 reported by the campaign to be taking place across the nation.
Jimmy Weldon organized and hosted a viewing party in his Opelika home.
“(Sanders) is speaking a language that people can understand and is voicing concerns about issues that they care about,” Weldon said. “And what’s amazing is it’s across all age groups.”
Several Auburn students were on hand for the event.
David Hathcock, recent graduate in history, said he believes the senator is the best choice for president because he has solutions for the problems facing young people, especially students.
“Senator Sanders really has the best message for most Americans,” Hathcock said. “It’s a message that he’s been saying for a long time and a lot of people in government haven’t been hearing. His message really empowers people who haven’t had a voice. A lot of students and young people feel apathetic about voting, and I think this is our chance to finally have our voice heard.”
Beth McDaniel, Ph.D. student in human development and family studies, said grassroot events are what American elections should be all about.
“This event embodies democracy, something that’s been missing in our political system for a really long time,” McDaniel said. “It’s super encouraging to see this brought back because this is what democracy is and should look like.”
Andrew Henley, graduate student in educational psychology, said voters should look at the candidates’ resumes instead of voting for the most well-known person.
“It’s not about name recognition,” Henley said. “It’s about the issues.”
McDaniel added that it’s important for young people to be involved in elections, regardless of the candidate they choose to endorse.
“We have to get out and vote, but also pay attention to the issues, not just at election time but throughout the year,” McDaniel said. “Attend local political meetings and stay involved. It’s up to us to hold the people we elect accountable to do the jobs that we elect them to do. Without that a democracy doesn’t work. Regardless of age, income or race, everyone’s voice matters.”
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