Increase in college students registering to vote

With the promotion of voter registration on college campuses like Milligan College, East Tennessee State University, Northeast State, and also on the internet, Washington County Republican and Democratic headquarters are seeing an increase in student registration.

“It’s increased even more this year. We’ve seen a lot more registrations by students,” said Connie Sinks, voting administrator for Washington County.

Both John Kerry and George Bush Headquarters in Washington County are pushing to get younger American’s, 18-25, to vote in this November’s election. They have even gone as far as setting up voter registration areas in places such as Chick-Fil-A and local bars.

“We’re promoting in local bars, on school campuses, and we are even trying to arrange a showing of the movie Fahrenheit 9/11 at ETSU,” said Guy Kramer, Washington County Democratic Voting Chair.

With the appearance and giggly speech by 22-year-old twins Jenna and Barbara Bush at the Republican National Convention, it is clear that times have changed. President Bush not only relies on wife Laura but also his two daughters to pull in younger voters.

Both parties agree on the importance of young voters. The state of Tennessee has made it easier for student voters from different counties and states to vote near where they attend college. All students need is a school address, a family member’s home address or a post office box in the area where they can receive mail.

“I was finally like, OK, you came to me, so I’m gonna do it,” said Tracy Capehart, a senior at ETSU who just registered to vote. Like many other students, she planned to register four years ago when she turned 18 but just never got around to it.

“A lot of students just don’t know how to go about registering to vote, so when they actually see it out there, they are more willing to do it,” said Crystal Diaz, feminist majority leader and sophomore at ETSU. “For a young student it’s too much work just going out on your own and finding out how.”

Rockthevote.com echoes the sentiment of both Democratic and Republican parties by saying that it does not matter how much in depth a person knows about the candidates and their issues, just that they are informed enough to get out and exercise their right to vote.

In past presidential elections, Tennessee has favored a conservative Republican stance. Kramer agreed. “East Tennessee is usually a conservative area so most likely it will vote Republican, but we are looking at the effects long-term. Once they get used to voting, we hope they’ll get more involved with the issues and then be able to form their own opinions. Right now we basically want to just get the young people to exercise their right to vote.”

“Voting is really important for college students,” said Milligan freshman Virginia Archer. “It’s a chance for them to get out and let their voice be heard.”

“If young voters started using their voice at the polls there would be a different agenda pushed,” said Washington County Republican Youth Chair Shawn Godsey. “There would even possibly be a difference in whose elected not only nationally but locally.”

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen is also aware of the importance of young voters at the polls. “Every day I work hard to ensure that Tennessee equips its young people to live life to its fullest by providing quality schools and a competitive work environment,” said Bredesen. “[That] generation is poised to inherit this state. That’s why it’s essential to take stock in and shape it’s destiny. You can do that by casting your vote and sounding your voice.”