Students involved in Lander University's Political Science Association sponsored a voter registration drive for the campus community on Friday, Sep. 28, through Tuesday, Oct. 2. The event aimed to encourage students, many of whom are first-time voters, to become more involved in local, statewide and national elections.
"Students have the potential to swing nearly every single election," said Dr. Matthew Malone, professor of political science and homeland security, and faculty adviser for the Political Science Association. "Historically, the 18- to 25-year-old age group turns out at a much lower rate than any other age group. If students mobilized, they have the ability to affect the entire direction of our city, county, state, and even nation."
The initiative is part of Lander's "Achieving the Promise: Democracy and the Informed Citizen" grant that will provide events throughout the 2018-2019 academic year. The programs build upon the university's legacy of civic engagement by giving a distinct set of opportunities and experiences for its campus community and the citizens within the Lakelands region.
Voters will head to the polls for the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 6.