The League of Women Voters of Lane County reminds students that Oct. 13, is the last day to register to vote or update registration information before the Nov. 3 election.
Students can register online or in person at the Lane County elections located at 275 W. 10th from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. Mon. through Fri. Or at the LWVLC located on 338 W. 11th Suite 101 from, 11 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. Mon., Wed. and Fri. Proof of residence is required.
“If you want to be part of the process you need to vote,” LWVLC president Linda Lynch said. “Students especially because it’s their future. It’s the only way to voice your opinion. You can’t criticize or complain unless you vote.”
The LWVLC is a nonpartisan political organization that emphasizes the importance of active participation in government as well as underlining major public policy issues with the hopes to achieve public policy through education and advocacy.
Upcoming measures that will be on the Nov. ballot include library or fire/safety services in Eugene, Springfield and South Lane County Fire and Rescue District.
According to the Oregon Student Association’s 2014 Vote OR Vote campaign overall turnout rate for students registered by OSA was only 45 percent. In comparison to the overall turnout rate among Oregonians was only 38 percent. 46 percent of the students registered by OSA under age 30 turned out to vote. This differs to all registered voters in Ore. with only 28 percent who actually did vote.
In 2012 OSA registered over 50,000 students across Ore. and during the 2013 Legislature Session it was able to secure a reinvestment in higher education from the Ore. Legislature and first tuition freeze in over a decade.
“It is important for students to register to vote because it helps builds political power for students,” OSA communications director Daniel McCall said. “We know that elected officials are more likely to prioritize student needs when students register to vote and turn out to vote. One of the top priorities for students is the affordability of their education.”
OSA is a statewide, student-led advocacy non-profit. The purpose of OSA is to represent, serve and protect the collective interests of students in post-secondary education across the state.
Registration must be current in order to vote for the Nov. election. If any information has changed like residency or name students will need to re-register.
“I registered to vote because I feel as though it’s the only way you can complain about what’s going on if you vote,” junior at the University of Oregon Dyuce Woodson said. “It’s the bare minimum to get my voice heard.”
Have you registered to vote?
Yuliana Barrales
October 12, 2015
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