Students take an increased interest in voting

     “Politics Sm’olitics,” used to be the shrug-off attitude most young voters had when it came to the presidential election process; but not anymore. GCSU students and student political organizations on campus are making their vote count in 2008, by getting involved in grassroots campaigning and speaking out in favor of their favorite candidates.
     According to a recent survey done by The New York Times, CBS and MTV, more than 58 percent of people between the age of 17 and 29 are actively engaged in the 2008 election, with nearly 77 percent believing their voter group could sway the outcome of the next presidential election.
     This kind of voting power is making presidential hopefuls take notice.
     With new mediums such as YouTube debates and MySpace campaign Web pages, the 2008 presidential hopefuls are using technology to gain the support of young voters. These new campaigning tactics are broadening the scope of political involvement among many young voters.
     Ashley Rousey, a GCSU public administration graduate student, is now a proud supporter of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, thanks to Obama’s Myspace campaign.
     “(Obama) represents a change in politics,” Rousey said. “I think he appeals to both sides due to his honesty, something this country desperately needs.”
     As campaign chair of the GCSU chapter of Students for Obama, Rousey joined Obama’s college campus campaign last summer when she attended “Camp Obama,” a crash course in grass-roots campaigning for the Illinois senator.
     For Rousey, the most important political platform of this election is healthcare.
     “Being a college student with only a part-time job, (Obama’s healthcare plan) would make healthcare more affordable and available if I ever needed it,” Rousey explains.
     Obama appears to be the candidate of choice among most GCSU students.
     In an informal poll of GCSU students around campus, when asked who they would vote for in 2008, the top two responses were either “Barack Obama” or “ I don’t know.”
     For senior psychology major, Christina Cheatham, Obama is the answer.
     “At this point in our history we need a charismatic president who has the ability to unify our country,” Cheatham said.
     When asked which political issues were the most important in the next presidential election, student responses varied from healthcare, education and the War in Iraq, to immigration, energy alternatives and gay marriage.
     Michael Whiteman, president of the GCSU Young Democrats weighs the pros and cons of the two Democratic front-runners.
     “I think Hilary has the experience and drive but I like Obama because he can compromise and actually make change in Washington,” Whiteman said.
     Whiteman advises student voters to consider which issues are most important to them.
     “I think a big issue for students to consider is the War in Iraq and our presence in the world in relation to other countries,” Whiteman said. “Whether you are a democrat or a republican, you should try and get involved.”
     For Jason White, chairman of College Republicans, the only logical choice in 2008 is Fred Thompson.
      “(Thompson) is the candidate for personal freedom,” White said. “His plans to fix Social Security, healthcare, taxes, energy usages and the War in Iraq give us hope that we can change the future.”
     White urges GCSU students to get involved in the political process by researching candidates, watching debates and going to events.
     Dr. Sandra Godwin, associate professor of sociology and advisor of GCSU Young Democrats, encourages students to question each candidate’s platform and do background research.
      “Try and find out everything you can about each candidate, not just what is covered in the media,” she says.
     Godwin suggests looking at candidate’s congressional voting record to see what they really stand for.
     Whether you have Hillary, Obama, Fred or Rudy as your Myspace friend, the 2008 presidential election is already breaking the rules.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 5 2007. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry