2008 Woodie Awards
Student voters establish voice
Sovit Karki
Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: News
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Tables were strategically placed in high-traffic areas around Brookhaven from early February to April 13 to ensure the highest number of students would pass by, Spiller said.
There was also a table set up at the Wal-Mart at Midway and Interstate 635 to register community voters, he said. Spiller said the benefit of the voter registration drive has three parts.
"One is getting the word out that we have this resource available on campus; two is connecting with the students to find out if they're registered; and three is, if they're not registered, then why aren't they?" Spiller said.
He said this program is a seed planter for students to get involved in their communities, whether it be crime watch groups, city council or neighborhood associations.
"I feel that the students are not involved in politics and civic activities," Spiller said. "With this program students are able to see how politics fits into what they're doing."
He used an example of the recent textbook bills that were discussed in Austin. He said textbook prices and tuition costs affect all students politically and if they get registered to vote then they can have an effect on the outcome of such legislation.
The voter registration drive is part of Service Learning organized by Student Programs and Resources, which helps students complete credit required for their Government 2301 and 2302 classes.
Spiller said 37 students, including members of Phi Theta Kappa and Rotaract, were involved in the voter registration campaign.
Spiller said SPAR oversees the activities in this campaign and the students' hours are recorded. He said the supplies and materials the students use are free.
Michael Rodriguez, a humanities and American literature student, who ran one of the tables for two weeks, said this program helps students increase their awareness and get politically involved. He said he helped about 50 students register to vote.
"This really suits me because I've always had an interest in politics," Rodriguez said. "It's very fulfilling to help young people get out and vote."
A student who registered at Rodriguez's table said it is convenient for students to do it on campus instead of going to the court house.
Spiller said: "When they [the students] start any democracy in action program, whether it's voter registration or working on campaigns, there is a lot of moaning and groaning related to it. … They don't see the relevance of it, but once they participate and understand they go 'Oh this is how this relates to my class. I understand the big picture by doing this little small piece.' After that we get students who volunteer on their own, even when it isn't for class credit."
He said involvement in such programs help students with their four-year degrees, get fun credit and get involved in community service.
Spiller said this program is growing larger at Brookhaven and the number of students involved continues to increase.
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