While voter registration week is over, students who have already registered may find Hodges Library’s “Election 2006: Campaign to Capitol” seminars helpful in deciding which candidates to vote for. The library and the Howard Baker Center have teamed up to educate the university about resources available to students who are voting.
The first seminar was held this past Thursday in Hodges Room 128. Jane Row, head of the seminar, discussed and answered any questions students interested in the election had.
“Some young people aren’t voting with the strength that they can,” Row said. “Studies of historical trends say that when there are things like exceptional poll ratings, economic downturns and major controversial issues, there will be a major shift in the balance of power. And it’s easy to back away with the ‘my vote won’t count’ excuse.”
Row said that many students seem disconnected with the politics that govern their lives. In fact, only 10 students participated in Thursday’s seminar, a number that disappointed attendee Sara Mclaughlin, a wildlife and fisheries science major.
“I think these seminars and things like this are very beneficial,” Mclaughlin said. “I expected more people here because there are some complex issues involved in this midterm election, and understanding those issues is at the root of voting.”
While attendance is suffering, those students who do come to the seminars will find a wealth of information at their fingertips, Row said.
“I think we are facing some pretty serious policy issues, and the midterm elections are going to impact what happens in American public policy,” she said. “So, how people vote will make a difference. And where you find this information is important to make sure you’re voting for the candidate that supports the issues you want.”
Row handed out a list of Web sites students can utilize in understanding the election. She then showed last week’s seminar audience just how much information is available to the public — from celebrity campaign donations to personal opinion quotes from candidates themselves.
“A terrible aspect of these elections is that if you don’t have millions of dollars, no one knows your name,” Mclauglin said.
After her presentation, Row said she was disappointed by the low turnout of students.
“I did want there to be more people here. These programs are good to raise awareness and getting students thinking that all elections are important, and not just those for the presidency,” Row said. “But I am impressed with the students that came. The questions were good, and everybody seemed very interested. I think students here at UT can make a difference and may be right there making the important decisions someday. I hope that more people can attend the seminars later this month.”
The final two “Election 2006: Campaign to Capitol” seminars will be held in Hodges Library Room 128 on Tuesday, Oct. 17 and Wednesday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The library, along with Jane Row, hopes that as Election Day nears, more students will be interested in attending the seminars.
The list of Web sites and resources can also be viewed at http://www.lib.utk.edu/refs/polsci/elections/.
