On Tuesday October 14, 2008 there was a different type of scene in the middle of the Skyline campus. There were two tables, one in front of the main office and the other in front of the cafeteria both promoting the same thing, voter registration. This is the first time that such focus has been brought on to this up coming election. Voter registration has become such an important thing to this generation, not only students but any one of the age and willing to vote. When walking in front of these tables both had similar messages towards returning voters and new voters, it is that if you want your voice to be heard you must vote.
On the first table in front of the cafeteria there were two students giving information on the upcoming election and how students can register.
“If you want to make your voice heard vote, because if you don’t vote you don’t count,” said Yamileth Buereden, volunteer voter registration help and ASSC Senator.
Buereden believes that every voter has a voice. She also explains the simple qualifications and process of voting.
“You have to be 18 or older and an American citizen to vote. Simply fill out the voter registration form and mail it or email it before October 20th”.
Also sitting at the table was Mauricio Antonio Florez Hernandez, voter registration help and ASSC President. Mauricio went into more depth about why students should vote.
“It’s important because the economic crisis, usually older people vote but this election is based on the younger generation,” Mauricio said.
He also believed that this year’s turn out for voters will be one to remember “by helping to make voter registration easier, young people will vote in record numbers.”
In front of the office, the voter registration table was more in favor of the Democratic Party and Barak Obama, but still wanted anybody to register just as long as you vote. Karen Gorman, volunteer with the San Mateo Democratic HQ, was one of the voter registration helpers at the table and felt very deeply about the young voters
“It provides an opportunity, a voice and how to shape the future generation,” Gorman said. “Democracy requires for people to be informed, register and vote.”
She also explained the short process of becoming registered.
“It’s simple, simply answer 12 questions that should take less then 10 minutes.”
Also sitting aside her at the table was Marcia Dempsey, volunteer with the San Mateo Democratic Party. Dempsey felt very strongly about what will happen if the Democratic Party wins the up coming election and how it will favor the students.
“Historically the Democratic Party is more favored for education, Obama’s top priority is education, if you are not educated nothing will work,” Dempsey said.
If people decide to vote or not that is their personal choice, and no strikes will be taken against them. Some people don’t believe that their vote will even make a difference, or they might be scared to be apart of something different, the change. Others may not even care who is running the country for the next four or maybe eight years, they are to busy complaining about the last president mistakes to even realize that they can stop the same thing from happening again.
One thing is certain; the people that volunteered their time to persuade students and give them more information about voting will gain the benefits of change. By helping people and letting them know that change is possible, the hope is already there to make something positive happen in the world. No matter which way you vote in the up coming election make sure your voice is heard, and for the people that didn’t register this year they will have a chance in four years.
