by Tyler Fransen

   If you’ve walked around campus lately, you’ve probably seen some of the sidewalks covered in chalk. This by itself isn’t unusual; many clubs and organizations chalk up the campus to promote themselves. What is unusual about it, however, is the way the chalk is being used as of late.

   For reasons that can be summed up in the words “2016 election,” there appears to be a chalk war going on between political parties on campus. The pro-Clinton chalk marks share a common theme of a poorly drawn remake of Clinton’s “H” logo. The pro-Trump chalk marks meanwhile, all seem to say, “Hillary for Prison 2016.”

   With the help of mother nature and presumably someone who has had enough of this election, most of the chalk marks have faded or disappeared altogether. This does not, however, mean that the rhetoric and passion behind the chalk has faded as well.

   Students at CMU voiced their opinions about the political chalk, and here’s what they had to say.

   Nursing major Connie Kim said, “I honestly don’t see too much harm being done with it. I almost think that it’s cool how involved and invested college students are about our presidential candidates. Do I think it’s a good idea? No, it’s kind of dumb in my opinion. But it goes to show that people care. If we could get these people to actually vote, then maybe, yeah, it’ll be worthwhile.”

   Mass communications major Stephanie Moos said, “I think the reason the sidewalk chalk personally doesn’t bother me is because with all the news bombarding media and news outlets regarding the presidential debates and upcoming election, I have become accustomed to tuning out information about politics, information I don’t really want to know because I constantly see it everywhere.”

   Computer sciences major Kyle Obergfell said, “I’m not a big fan of it, [but] I’m sick of politics period. I’m not voting for either candidate.”

   For at least these two students, the chalk has done little to nothing to change the way they’re voting in this election or change the way they feel about this election cycle.

   This does not mean that you should not care about this election, in fact, it is crucial now more than ever that you vote for the candidate you feel will do the best job. For information on where and how to vote in Colorado, visit “govotecolorado.com” to look up your registration status, where your polling places are and what issues are on the ballot this year.

And when you do vote, be sure to vote on every issue and use a blue or black ink pen, not chalk.