Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) last week to recognize the College Democrats for their campaign efforts and to encourage the youth vote ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
On Nov. 1, Whitmer received cheers and applause while she thanked the College Democrats for their efforts. The event took place at 1 p.m. outside of the Ryder Center and featured remarks from Whitmer and Michigan State Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, with Democratic candidate Shauna Diggs who is running for University of Michigan Board of Regents.
In her address to the crowd, Whitmer states:
“Please take care of yourself these last days [before the election]. Do what you need to do for school, but help us save democracy, right? Have those conversations, stay hydrated, stay caffeinated, and eat a damn vegetable. But also know, the only thing we’ll regret next Wednesday is if we didn’t do more than we could have done, so thank you for everything you’re doing.”
Although not a politician, actress Lynda Carter, most famously known as the original “Wonder Woman,” was also in attendance to show her endorsement of Harris’ campaign and empower voters.
“This is really, really special…We need you. You are the future. What you do here will affect the rest of your lives, and being involved in this country will release something in your spirit…This is the only message I can give you to strengthen your resolve,” Carter said.
Whitmer commended the students’ dedication and offered free pizza for attendees. The event included a chance for students to take photos with Whitmer, Rivet, Diggs, and Carter. While the event only lasted 15 minutes, it left a lasting impact on Emma Koch, a third-year theater major.
“It was amazing [to see Whitmer], and I had the biggest smile on my face the whole time. It was really heartwarming to know that she sees us, especially given we’re a smaller university.”
In a personal interview following her address, Whitmer explains the importance of the youth vote:
“Well, college voters are going to live with the consequences of the outcome of this election longer than any of the rest of us are, and that’s why your voices are really important. If everyone your age voted, you would decide the outcome of every election.”
State Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, currently representing Michigan, is on the ballot for Congress in Michigan’s 8th District. Endorsed by the SVSU College Democrats, Rivet added:
“Saginaw Valley, right here in the middle of the eighth congressional [district], is really important. I think when you look at two years ago, the ability to mobilize this campus and the ability to turn people out to express our voices, especially on reproductive freedom, was a huge difference maker, both in the State Senate and in the congressional race. This [election] has the eyes of the country on it, and Saginaw Valley students can determine this election.”
