In preparation for the Nov. 4 election, the Tempe Undergraduate Student Government has set out to educate students about what side of the political spectrum they fall on through a four-day program called Sparking Democracy.
The program runs in four parts. The first part began Monday and was designed to help students decide with which side of the political spectrum they identify. The subsequent events include speeches and debates between candidates for various offices, including governor.
Nicholas VandenNieuwenhof, the vice president of policy for Tempe USG, is one of the event's organizers. VandenNieuwenhof has previously been active within the Republican Party on various campaigns but said he remains neutral in this year’s race.
“I’ve heard a rumor that I am involved in the (gubernatorial candidate Doug) Ducey campaign, but that isn’t true," VandenNieuwenhof said. "I’ve actually remained in the middle (of the political spectrum) for this election. I have been invited to participate in phone banks and some other events in that campaign, but because of my position within USG, which is a nonpartisan organization, I haven’t been involved in any campaigns.”
He added that he is a registered independent voter and wants to use the event to help himself form an opinion about the candidates.
Accountancy graduate student Kenneth Donnelly said the appearance of a conflict of interest could be problematic to the legitimacy of the event, no matter if there actually is one.
“In my classes, we are always taught that the appearance of (a conflict of interest) is a problem, but I think that most students probably wouldn’t recognize it anyway,” he said.
VandenNieuwenhof, however, said he has not felt any conflict of interest while organizing an event that is designed to bring candidates from all parties together. He said his main goal for the event is to give students an opportunity to hear all candidates and form their own opinions about who best suits their needs as young citizens.
“I have friends that work in campaigns, both Republican and Democrat,” he said. “I have a little closer ties with the Republican campaigns, but we are focused on having a diverse group at the event.”
He said the candidates will address pertinent issues to the student body, such as funding for higher education.
After the first day of the tabling event, designed to help students decide which party they align with, VandenNieuwenhof said many people they have talked to already have some idea of their political stance.
“We are hoping to reach people who might not know exactly what their own views are, so people are asking us questions and trying to see where they stand. For the most part, a lot of the people we have talked to are pretty much in the middle,” he said.
Tempe USG President Cassidy Possehl said a remarkable number of people at Monday’s event said they were undecided about who to vote for next week.
“It was really interesting to talk to them and see what their opinions are,” she said. “It is an important part of their civic engagement that they learn about the different sides and where they fall.”
Possehl said while many members of USG, including VandenNieuwenhof, are politically minded, the group is diverse and all sides are represented within USG.
“We have had members that are very active in campaigns, some even while they are part of USG,” Possehl said. “But while someone may be involved in one campaign, we probably have someone who is involved in exactly the opposite. We have advisers and other influences that make sure USG remains completely nonpartisan.”
Possehl added that Sparking Democracy is going to include candidates from all parties, including Libertarian and Independent, as well as Republican and Democrat.
“This isn’t just a bipartisan event; it is completely nonpartisan,” she said.
As for VandenNieuwenhof, he is waiting to hear from the candidates before casting his vote.
“I am not even sure who I’m voting for yet,” he said.
Reach the reporter at cvanek@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @CorinaVanek
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