For many traditional students on campus, this year marks their first chance to vote in a Presidential election. Colorado Mesa University (CMU) wants student voters to be engaged and the Political Science Club is encouraging as many students as possible to be registered, informed and active as Nov. 5 creeps nearer.
When people think of politics in the United States, they usually think about the presidency, the election season and the two major political parties. While these are all important aspects of government and politics in America, they aren’t the only things impacted by voting and public opinion. Local politics can have impacts on construction and maintenance, fire and emergency services, public transportation and more.
“Politics affects students even when it is not an election season, but it being an election season allows us to have a say in the future of our country and local communities. […] Most of our daily lives are dependent on politics and election outcomes,” said CMU Political Science club president Kyle Patten.
To support students in their civic engagement, the Political Science club collaborated with other organizations both on campus and locally to create a list of events under the CMU public forum, known as Mav the Vote.
“Our goal was essentially to help the students get more engaged in the political process, right? How are we going to be able to get students engaged and really start developing a different kind of culture on this campus, where people can disagree, but they can act on things they care about,” said CMU political science professor Dr. Tim Casey.
Groups of all ideologies and affiliations have had tables to share information and beliefs, and to get students thinking about what is important to them. The League of Women Voters and New Era Colorado have been tabling in the plaza to help students get registered.
Recently, there was a Vice-Presidential debate watch party as an opportunity for students to be able to observe and form opinions for themselves. With bingo cards full of probable debate topics as well as pizza and soda, the event offered an open space to watch without judgment.
“The overall engagement seems to have been great so far regarding students attending events and showing interest in politics, but as always, we are interested in creating more involvement on campus as we get closer to this election,” Patten said.
Student involvement can be anything from speaking out about your beliefs, to simply getting registered to vote. Either way, CMU doesn’t have an official endorsement or stance. These events are tailored not to change who students vote for, but to ensure that as many as possible cast their ballots.
“Use your civic voice!” said CMU student and New Era Colorado member Marigold Nugent. “Voter apathy is not good. An informed voter base, and a registered voter base, is the best way to continue preserving democracy.”
For more information on university events for voter engagement, visit coloradomesa.edu/civic-forum.
