Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Headlines

ASWOU cabinet members register Western students to vote. [Click to enlarge]

The right to vote in democratic elections labeled the United States a modernist in the days of its youth. Today, it is the people that have the power. Americans can vote on ballot measures and leadership in their country, city, county or district. But who are these voters? Is every voice being heard? In the 2000 Presidential election, the average age of a voting individual was over 30. This average means the government is not hearing the voices of the American youth. In lieu of these and other disappointing turnout rates, the Associated Students of Western Oregon University (ASWOU) has been working with incoming freshman, along with students of all ages and phases, on the Student Vote Campaign.

This campaign works in conjunction with the Oregon Student Association (OSA), a state wide organization that advocates for student rights. One of the main goals of this group is to register students to vote, educate them about issues and ballot measures and increase the number of people ages 18 -25 voting in all elections.

One Western student stated, "Why do I care if a ballot measure dealing with farmland passes? I live in the city. Voting on a City Council Chair Person or mayor doesn't affect my life. I only vote in the Presidential elections." That's a start, but OSA and ASWOU believe that the student voice should affect all elections, from the seemingly small to the presidential elections.

By 2004, the election year was termed "The Year of the Student Voter" as organizations such as ASWOU and OSA began educating students on how they can make a difference. In the 2006 election, two ballot measures that would have put funding for postsecondary education seriously at risk were defeated, along with college students making their way to the top of the Governor's list to receive funds- the students in Oregon spoke up and Also in 2006, OSA helped to register 22,296 college students state-wide. OSA has similar goals for the 2008 election. Voting for President may affect the overall quality of the country but voting in smaller elections can make things happen in local communities. Max Beach, ASWOU Director of State and Federal Affairs, explained that it is, "important that Western Oregon University students register to vote because we represent such a large population in both Monmouth and Polk County. Through voting we are able to elect officials and pass measures that will benefit both us and [Western]."

For more information on becoming a registered voter, please contact Max Beach at 503.838.8535. You can also pick up a voter registration card at the WUC in front of the ASWOU offices. Fill it out. Turn it in. VOTE! •

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