WCU students and staff alike had the opportunity to meet with some of the local candidates running for office in 2020 this past week.
The Student Democracy Coalition, as well as the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, hosted Democracy Day,” Oct. 28 on the Belk lawn. Local candidates for this year’s election showed up and talked to students about their beliefs and values, as well as why people should vote for them. At least five politicians attended despite it being such a rainy day, and the SDC was happy with the turnout.
Students who came to Democracy Day on Oct. 28, met the candidates running for office in Jackson County got T-shirts. Photo by Autumn Pine.
To encourage student involvement, students were given information at the entrance, the smaller purple tent that was placed in front of the larger white tent, about an opportunity to get a free shirt and free food. Before entering the premises, volunteers from the SDC handed out square pieces of card stock that had three empty boxes printed on it. In order to get the food and shirts, students had to make their way around the event and get a signature from three different candidates. Getting a candidate’s signature required listening to their pitch and having discussions about what they had to say.
Lane Perry, executive director for Community Engagement and Service Learning, helped organize this event and also attended to ensure that everything went smoothly. In his opinion, this event has the potential to be very beneficial for those who want to exercise their right to vote but don’t know who to vote for.
“I have heard students in the past say things like – ‘I was not sure who I wanted to vote for, but after meeting them and chatting for a few minutes the choice for me is clear.’ That – that is the value in programs like Democracy Day,” said Perry in an email.
Several members from the SDC expressed similar observations. Kylie Cox and Jack Stuckey, both members of the SDC who volunteered at the event, agreed that Democracy Day is a great opportunity for students to ask candidates questions that will help them figure out which candidates best align with their beliefs and values.
People from the WCU community gathered under a big white tent on the Belk lawn to meet the candidates. Photo by Autumn Pine.
“It is important for students to be informed when voting because voting is an extension of your voice. If you vote for candidates that do not share your views and values, your vote will not share your views,” said Cox.
All of the candidates who attended were running for a position in Jackson County, while only some were running for a position in North Carolina.
Despite being outside, COVID-19 procedures were followed as a precaution, and all participants were asked to wear a mask.
Remember, the voting season isn’t over! For more information about voting on campus click here.
