In the final days before the election, Wooster’s political groups work to advance their candidate
Anya Cohen
News Editor
As of press time Tuesday, most polls predicted Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama approximately a point apart (see sidebar for poll comparisons) in the presidential race. With less than a week remaining before Election Day, politically affiliated groups on campus are working to give their respective candidates of choice that crucial final push.
Shuttles will continue to run every half hour between campus and the Board of Elections for early voting. On Friday Nov. 2, shuttles will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturday Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Sunday Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ,and on Monday Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students voting early need to supply their date of birth, the street address of their dorm and the last four digits of their social security number in order to vote.
The College will also have shuttles running to the Board of Elections on Election Day, Nov. 6. Students voting on Election Day need to supply a verification of a current local address along with the information required for early voting.
Early voting is an easy way for students to ensure that their voting process goes smoothly.
“Students should vote early because it is easier to do, more convenient, and ensures that their vote will be cast,” said Professor of Communication Studies Denise Bostdorff. “Whereas waiting until Election Day involves more steps to obtain the necessary proof of residence information and risks the possibility that illness or some other issue might keep the student from voting.”
The College Democrats, Political Science Club, The League of Informed Voters, SGA, Spectrum and Brothers of Diversity will also be sponsoring an election party on the evening of Nov. 6 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. in Lowry. All College of Wooster students are encouraged to attend the event.
“It is vital this and every year that all Americans, not just students, take part in the political process,” said Richard Walter ’13, who has been trying to revamp the campus’ College Republicans “Though it may not be as fun to vote for Governors, Senators, Congressmen and State Representatives as for the next President of the United States, those people have more direct influence on our lives than we realize.”
Representatives from College Democrats mirror the thoughts of Walter.
“I can say that I think it’s important for everyone to vote, everywhere. A vote can be powerful it’s your way to choose the direction the state and the country will go,” said Wooster’s College Democrats president Andrea Patton ’14.
Adam Levin ’14 president of Wooster Democratic Socialists, feels that while voting in general is important, it is even more important to vote as a college student in Ohio.
“We have a perspective that other Ohioans do not,” said Levin. “I think in a state dominated by a conservative party, that appears determined to stoop to very low levels to defeat Obama, it is important that a progressive student vote serves as a counterbalance.”
The Wooster Democratic Socialists and the College Democrats have hosted numerous events throughout the semester to raise awareness and keep students informed about the upcoming election.
The Wooster Democratic Socialists brought two political speakers to campus, Jackie Sewell and Joe Schwartz, to discuss their thoughts on the upcoming election.
“Sewell, from the larger organization (Young Democratic Socialists), gave her “Get Up!” series, a talk on higher education, rises in tuition, and grassroots activism. Schwartz from Temple University talked specifically about the election, neoliberal politics, and social activism,” said Secretary for the Wooster Democratic Socialists Grace Miller ’13.
The College Democrats have been involved in political activity on campus by hosting viewing parties for the presidential debates and driving students to and from campus for early voting.