Herd encouraged to “Rock the Vote”

Written by Lacie Cunningham Monday, 29 September 2008 19:00

With only 35 days until the polls open, members of NDSU’s College Democrats, College Republicans, Student Government and Campus Attractions have come together to ensure that NDSU students understand the significance of voting for the next president.

The groups collaborated to put together Rock the Vote week,” which will occur from Oct. 13 – 17, to stress the importance of voting to college students. Trisha McDonald a sophomore university studies major and member of Student Government said,“ Throughout the week there will be an information booth about voter education, set up by Student Government. This is a non-bias booth and will be staffed by the Student Government members.”

During the week will be an open forum organized by Student Government member Ron Storhaug, a senior business administration major.

“ Students will get to meet North Dakota legislators and local influential people. They will be broken up into small groups small of students and legislators. They will come up with some questions to bring up to them,” said Storhaug. “The main purpose is to provide education to students on the issues that are coming up due to the election and also to show the importance of getting out to vote.”

On Wednesday, the presidential debate will by available for viewing in the Festival Concert Hall at 8:00 p.m.

Chief Justice of Student Government and junior journalism, broadcasting and mass communication tech major Drew Espeseth and Storhaug will be the moderators for NDSU’s own debate between the College Democrats and Republicans on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

“Following the debate there will be two speakers from the Real World- Robin and Jose. It will be interactive and there will be a photo opportunity and autograph signing session,” said McDonald.

On Sept. 27, members of the Student Activities Office held an event to help teach students about the history of voting and the importance of getting their voices heard.

Lindsey Cunningham, a junior child development and family science major, attended the voter education retreat held in the Memorial Union from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Cunningham said, “We learned about the history which was interesting because it changed my perspective on voting from a right to a privilege. Understanding that being able to vote isn’t something to be taken for granted changes the way I value the vote in November.”

The students that attended the event were given a free meal and walked around the houses surrounding NDSU to pass out absentee ballot registration forms.

For more information on the “Rock the Vote” event, head to the Student Government Office in the Memorial Union.