On Monday, Feb. 19, College Democrats, College Republicans, and Phi Sigma Alpha collaborated on an informational event about voting and politics.
Diva Patel, a fourth-year cell biology, molecular biology, and biomedical sciences and political science double major and president of the College Democrats, spoke on the event.
“This particular event … was aimed at spreading awareness about the new election laws implemented in Michigan due to the passage of Proposal 2 in 2022, which is now a part of our State Constitution,” she said. “It was important to inform students about the many different ways they can vote in the upcoming Presidential Primary election on Feb. 27.”
This was the second time this type of event has been done on campus. Last year, it was called Pastries and Politics and covered a lot of the same information.
Dahlia Terry, a third-year political science major and College Republicans president, also spoke about the event.
“we had the opportunity to learn directly from three experienced clerks,” she said. “Ann Manary, Midland County Clerk; Kevin Machata, Kochville Township Clerk; and Kochville Township Deputy Clerk Jamie Uptmor”
“Throughout the presentation, the clerks shed light on how the reforms will impact the upcoming presidential primary but also walked us through the election process,” she continued. “Students asked thoughtful questions to understand how the new rules will play out at polling places.”
“The event proved to be tremendously valuable, as we all left with practical insights about the voting process and the recent election reforms from experienced elected officials.”
“Voter turnout among young people and in primary elections, in general, tends to be disappointingly low,” she said. “We [Terry and Patel] decided an informative session on recent changes to state election laws could empower more students to participate.”
“With the presidential primary elections approaching, it felt especially timely to equip students with knowledge about updated voting procedures,” Terry added. “There is also a growing trend among … voters that distrust the election process and really the only way to bring trust to these individuals is through education.”
“In my view, learning about and understanding the election process and the new opportunities is tangibly the best way inspire more young people to feel their voices matter in elections,” she said. “If we can get students to the polls once and see the process firsthand, it could build lifelong civic engagement habits.”
The Presidential Primary is open to vote in early now or on election day on Feb. 27. Visit http://www.michigan. gov/vote for more information.
