The countdown to election day has begun, and this time our opinions matter. This is the first election most of us as college students will be able to participate in.
Young voter turnout has more than tripled, and it is up to us to make an educated decision on who should be the leader of our country.
There are multiple political organizations on campus that encourage students to vote at the polls and also provide the information students need to make an informed decision.
College Republicans, College Democrats, and Libertarians offer an easy opportunity to join by advertising on the Concourse during O-days.
“Students can get involved in several different ways,” said Jeffrey Ioimo, president of College Democrats. “They can join our Facebook group or just stop by a meeting.”
The organizations’ roles on campus are to provide the best information on the political candidates they support.
“Our role on campus is to better facilitate the discussion of local and national politics, promote local and national republican candidates for office and to convey in a tactful manner the sentiments and messages of the Republican party and conservative thought,” said Chandler Harris, executive director of College Republicans.
The College Democrat organization also has several different roles.
“We are an organization that focuses on educating the student body, motivating students to become involved in democratic politics and their government, helping democrats get elected to office and providing a social atmosphere for those interested in democratic politics,” Ioimo said.
College Libertarians provide a third outlet for students to receive information about the approaching election and their candidates.
“We provide relief from the usual two-party politics on campus, heightened awareness of issues and legislation relevant to the student citizen and education on historical figures, events and unconstitutional policies,” said Elizabeth Gentry, president of College Libertarians.
With the election approaching in November, each organization is hosting events in support of its candidates.
“This year, the College Democrats will be extremely active. We are planning on having many candidates come speak on campus, participating in several campaign invasions, participating in the annual debate with the College Republicans and College Libertarians, hosting social events like watching the National Convention and much more,” Ioimo said.
College Republicans are also hoping to motivate the student body by providing activities for students to get information.
“We plan on having many events throughout this fall,” Harris said. “These will include campaign volunteer opportunities around the Third District and also in north Alabama and south Alabama. We will also be having many high profile speakers at our bi-weekly meetings, as well as campaign events and get-out-the-vote efforts on Auburn’s campus. We also plan on having debate-watching parties for the presidential debates.”
The first College Democrat meeting is Sept. 9. They can be found promoting their candidates on the Concourse, as well.
“We would like to encourage all students to attend meetings or drop by our table if they would like to become informed about John McCain and his vision for America,” Harris said.
