September
6, 2016
In this
presidential election year, the College is making every opportunity available
for students to register to vote. In recent years, the campus election
engagement initiative, under the name of Marlins VOTE, has gone beyond voter
registration to include voter education, ballot access and “get out the vote”
efforts.
This
year, under the direction of Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr.
Leslie Caughell and Director of Community Service Diane Hotaling, the effort
has been formalized even more, broadening a coalition of planners to include
student leaders and staff advocates. The result is an excellent series called “What’s at Stake: Election 2016” that I encourage everyone to
attend. The VWC Department of Political
Science, the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom, Academic Affairs, The
Lighthouse and others have partnered with community organizations and respected
experts to offer 13 opportunities to be informed going into the election booth
on November 8.
And, in
an innovative move, students are planning to staff Election Tuesday Pop Ups in
a variety of locations, including campus Pokemon stops, to answer any questions
you may have about the voting process. They will offer Debate Watch Parties,
opportunities to get involved in campaigns, and rides to the polls. Voter
registration applications will be available throughout the year at the Hub in the
Batten Center, the Hofheimer Library and the Registrar’s Office in Clarke Hall.
The Office of Community Service will serve as our Marlins VOTE Headquarters.
At its
best, democracy engages citizens. There will be no shortage of opportunities
for you to participate in Election 2016. I hope you will take every advantage.
Please make sure you VOTE!
