By: Chloe Miller
NORMAL–As the midterm elections inch closer, the Illinois State community is gearing up to engage students and eligible voters to participate. Students leaders in Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are taking the lead to inform members on how to register to vote.
Any student on campus is able to create an RSO. At Illinois State, there are several political RSOs that have grown throughout the years. Currently, there are political student organizations that fall along the political spectrum, these are: Turning Point USA, College Republicans at Illinois State, College Democrats at Illinois State and Young Democratic Socialists of America.
Both the College Democrats and College Republicans have a uniquely vested interest in this upcoming election, as they both are pushing student candidates. Junior Jack Abraham, Democrat, and junior Eduardo Monk, Republican, are running for spots on the District Six County Board.
“[Monk] is running, and we are behind him all the way,” College Republican Treasurer Cobi Blair said. “While we don’t have any other members running as candidates, we encourage everyone to get involved in the ways they prefer.”
Not only do voters decide political candidates, they also have a say in referendums and other amendments presented on the ballot. In this election, a referendum to aid in funding for Unit 5 schools is on the ballot. Also, a statewide Workers’ Rights amendment to the State Constitution is being presented.
“A huge goal of ours is to increase the number of voters voting yes on the Workers’ Rights Amendment,” College Democrats President Morgan Taylor said. “We believe everyone deserves the right to bargain collectively for higher wages and better working conditions.”
As RSOs push for the people and ideas they believe in, other organizations on campus are helping to increase voter turnout as well. The Center for Civic Engagement has a team of election interns equipped with the knowledge to help students and the campus community to register to vote and participate in the election. One election fellow, junior Kerem Tasdan, has the specific job to incorporate RSOs in this process.
“We have the Student Voter Engagement Coalition that consists of leaders representing their RSO, in which we plan and strategize initiatives for voting,” Tasdan said. “While collaboration with departments and other offices on campus is necessary, thorough outreach to RSOs for voting initiatives ensure students are being met in spaces where they are involved.”
Further, The Center for Civic Engagement is offering election information presentations to any class or RSO that requests them. According to philanthropynewsdigest.org, 37 percent of people that have been in connection with nonprofit voter organizations are more likely to vote than those not engaged by nonprofits.
“RSOs can request an intern or staff from the Center for Civic Engagement to present to the members,” Tasdan said. “These presentations cover a wide variety of information and are offered in a wide variety of time formats to provide the key things needed to register and turn up to vote that students really find handy.”
The political RSOs have already informed members on voter registration and are now focused on the ballot. Even with their political differences, both the College Republicans and College Democrats emphasize the importance of political participation.
“By taking the time to research who and what is on the ballot and making your voice heard, you do your part to ensure that the communities you live in have the best leadership going forward,” Blair said. “While many disagree on what the future should look like, we will not reach an optimal path unless people come together to bring change.”
The student vote is a large block of people. Students within their college community have been registering at their college addresses to have influence on their local politics while away from home.
“Even during the summer and after graduation, students stay in town to start their lives,” Taylor said. “We pay taxes, work and reside in all parts of Bloomington-Normal, meaning we have the right to express our opinions on local issues.”
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