While many ASU students are spending their summer vacations relaxing by the pool, some students are taking advantage of their free time by volunteering for local and statewide political campaigns.
The ASU College Republicans and Young Democrats, as well as other students who volunteer on an individual basis, are dedicating hours of free time to help politicians prepare for the November 2006 elections.
Most student volunteers agree volunteering can make a big difference in the outcome of the elections.
"Since it's an election year, college students have the best opportunity to get the type of change we want to see," said Ed Hermes, a political science and history senior.
In addition to working for Primary Consultants, a political consulting firm that coordinates volunteers and consults for legislative companies across the state, Hermes works as the campaign manager for Rhett Wilson, a candidate for District 17 House of Representatives.
The pay is not so great, but the experience makes it worth it, Hermes said.
"Volunteering allows you to meet people in the field," he said. "I want to go into public policy, so it's good to know the issues."
Richard Sales, a political science graduate, said he volunteers 40 hours each week to help the re-election campaign of Sen. Jon Kyl.
Sales, who graduated from ASU last month, said he writes press releases, works on research projects and coordinates volunteers for Kyl.
Sales said grassroots efforts by volunteers are the biggest factors in winning campaigns.
"Campaigns are not just about ads," he said. "It's the volunteer core that matters."
Sales said Kyl's campaign has a great effect on voters, which will lead to a successful election.
"At the end of the day, Kyl will win re-election because he has the volunteers and the grassroots plan to reach out to the voters," he added.
The College Republicans have also been keeping themselves busy this summer by remaining active in campaign volunteering around the state.
Their main focus has been petitioning and putting signs up around Tempe, but they also have participated in local events where politicians like Kyl and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney have come to speak to the public.
Last week, College Republicans from around the state joined the ASU College Republicans for a petition walk in the neighborhoods of North Mesa's District 19 to collect signatures for state Sen. candidate Chuck Grey.
Grey needed 700 signatures to appear on the ballot, and the College Republicans collected more than 750 signatures that night.
"What happened [that night] is something that has never happened to us before, and because of that we should all be proud we belong to this club," said Ron Reynante, Vice President of the ASU College Republicans.
ASU students who have chosen to dedicate their time to campaigns this summer are making a big difference in the community.
"It's important to get involved in campaigns," Hermes said. "It helps to further the changes you want to see happen."
Reach the reporter at Natalie.i.hayes@asu.edu.
