(Story was updated on Sept. 26, 2012)
Success could define the National Voter Registration Day that was held on Tuesday, Sept. 25 on the UC lawn.
The students had a chance to meet some of the candidates running for office, register to vote in November and channel their inner child on several carnival-style inflatables.
Hayden Rogers, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress, paid a visit to WCU to promote his election platform.
“I think it’s important to get people involved in voting, especially younger people,” said Rogers. “These political decisions nowadays are really starting to affect them. Youth are the least involved in voting, and it’s important for them to vote.”
Rogers’ message for his campaign reflects on the ideals of George Washington. “This political divide between countries is killing us,” said Rogers. “It is time for America to unite and combine our good ideas and face our serious challenges.”
Other candidates at the event included Rogers’ Republican opponent, Mark Meadows; Jim Davis (R), Marty Jones (R), Joe Sam Queen (D), and John Snow (D).
Student involvement was vital to the success of this event.
Groups that volunteered their time and energy included: Student Affairs, UC staff, Honors College, Public Policy Institute, College Republicans, College Democrats, Political Science Club, NCPIRG, and the Center for Service Learning.
Michael Tell, a voter registration student-volunteer, has been involved in politics around campus for some time.
“I’m getting really politically involved,” said Tell. “In our last presidential election, the North Carolina vote was decided by less than one percent, which shows students are important to the polls. There are groups like College Democrats, Alpha Pi and others trying to get students involved.”
Dylan Bowen, a freshman at WCU, joined the College Republicans right away due to his political drive.
“I tried to get involved with the Romney campaign back home,” said Bowen, “but I can get involved much more here at WCU.”
He also strongly emphasizes the importance of our generation getting involved.
“Regardless of political opinion, it is our civic duty to vote,” said Bowen. “People complain about the government and don’t vote. I think that’s wrong.”
According to Todd Collins, Director of the Public Policy Institute, volunteers registerd a one new voter every two-and-a-half minutes throughout the day.
