One vote can make a difference. This is the word political organizations at ASU are sending across campus to increase voter turnout and political awareness among college students.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, voter turnout among people aged 18-24 years increased by 11% from 36% to 47% from the 2000 presidential race to 2004. By encouraging ASU students to be become more involved in politics and put their values into action, political clubs on campus are hoping for an even greater student voter turnout in the 2008 presidential election.
"I think it is important for all people to take part in civic duty and be aware of what is going on, not only in our country but in the world," said political science junior Lisa Ferndandez, president of ASU Young Democrats.
"A basic understanding of the political process is all you need to vote," Fernandez said. "When people vote, that means they care about what is going on and who is going to be running this country."
As president of ASU Young Democrats, Fernandez organizes weekly meetings, canvasses for candidates and plans activities such as community service and issue campaigns.
"We are getting in touch with democratic candidates in the area, targeting races where we can have the most effect, preparing more activities to keep people interested, and trying to make people aware of issues that will be coming about in the upcoming election," Fernandez said.
The mission of ASU Young Democrats is to engage, educate, and mobilize young people to be effective citizen-leaders through action in their communities and in the Democratic Party, Fernandez said.
Vice President of ASU Young Democrats and political science sophomore, Wylie Timmerman, hopes students understand their opinions are valuable and they can make a difference.
"It's easy to tire of politicking and gridlock in Washington when it seems like it's all a world away," Timmerman said. "However, there's lots of ways to make change in one's community and local government that young people may not be aware of."
By increasing youth turnout and getting college students involved in campaigns, Timmerman wants college students to realize they can be a powerful force in politics.
"Young people can really change the momentum of the game," Timmerman said.
ASU Young Democrats looks forward to more students becoming involved in the political process by joining the club and spreading the word.
"Anyone can join," Fernandez said. "We have such an amazing group where we are friends and like to be around eachother. I enjoy being a part of this group because we make a difference."
The club, which has 2,500 people on it's list server and around 40 active members, meets twice a week on Wednesdays in Discovery 150 at 8 p.m. and Fridays in COOR 174 at 3 p.m.
If you are leaning toward the Republican side, ASU College Republicans may be the club to join. ASU College Republicans is the largest and most active political club at ASU with over 50 active members. Their purpose is to support and help elect Republicans to office, both locally and nationally, and to promote Conservative ideals.
Paul Gambill, president of ASU College Republicans and computer systems engineering sophomore, agrees with the notion that college students need to commit to becoming involved in politics.
"So many issues affect college students; it's almost staggering," Gambill said. "Tuition, healthcare, and illegal immigration are just a few. As students we have a voice, we just need to learn how to use it."
Gambill believes the attitude of many college students must change in order to increase the student political involvement and voter turnout.
"Most students, for whatever reason, are more concerned about where they'll be drinking this weekend than who is running for office," Gambill said. "I think it's representative of the culture we live in today, where these students think that what they vote for doesn't matter all that much."
Benjamin Stewart, vice president of ASU College Republicans and political science senior, hopes students engage in political organizations on campus to fully understand the difference between a Republican and a Democrat.
"Many probably believe that if you are a Republican you are for the War in Iraq and if you are a Democrat you are against the war. This is so far from the truth that it is scary," Stewart said.
Gambill believes the most important thing students can do to learn and understand the political process is to read.
"Read the news, but take it with a grain of salt," Gambill said. "The more you know about issues and how they affect, the better you can make an informed decision what your opinion is."
Stewart advises students to attend club meetings on campus, visit membership tables on campus, have conversations with fellow students on political issues and visit candidate's websites to do further research. Those who are not yet registered to vote in Arizona can visit servicearizona.com.
"As Americans we should celebrate our right to vote by voting whenever we have the opportunity to do so," Stewart said.
ASU College Republicans hope students who are looking to meet others with similar views and want to make a difference join the club. They hold meetings every Thursday at 5 p.m. in Discovery Hall 250 with guest speakers who are usually elected officials or candidates running for office. They also have a membership table in front of the Memorial Union three days a week.
