By SARA GIBONEY
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – Students from a University of Nebraska at Kearney political science class recently encouraged over 200 students on campus to register to vote.
Students from the Democracy as a Political Idea class set up booths in the Nebraskan Student Union and Wellness Center on Sept. 23 and asked students to become registered voters. As a result of the effort, 204 UNK students registered to vote.
“If we can get them to start the habit of voting now, it will become a lifelong habit,” said Christie Maloyed, assistant professor of political science.
Maloyed hopes more students will become informed voters.
“The most consistent voters are older, but there are a lot of issues that impact students,” she said.
The voter registration push was part of a civic engagement project the class is working on this semester. The class is creating a mid-term voting guide for the upcoming election. The non-partisan guide will include information on candidates and political issues in the news.
“The guide aims to provide voters with a quick overview of candidates and issues,” Maloyed said.
The voter registration deadline is Oct. 17. To register to vote, visit the Buffalo County Election Commission office at 1512 Central Ave. The next election is Nov. 4.
The class project is co-sponsored by the American Democracy Project, which promotes civic and political engagement among students, providing opportunities across campus for individuals to be involved in the democratic community through volunteering, advocacy, voting and service learning.
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Source: Christie Maloyed, 308.865.8724, maloyedcl@unk.edu
Writer: Sara Giboney, 308.865.8529, giboneys2@unk.edu