Students will have a unique opportunity to meet and greet at least seven politicians today, in addition to getting a more informed view on various ballot measures Thursday.
ASUO is hosting a Candidate Fair in the EMU Lobby from noon to 2 p.m. today, and a Ballot Measure Fair on Thursday, also from noon to 2 p.m. Depending on weather, Thursday’s fair will be held in either the EMU Lobby or the EMU Amphitheater.
“Our biggest challenge was finding a time and day that works for everyone,” ASUO State Affairs Coordinator Adam Petkun said.
The fair offers students and community members the opportunity to meet some of the candidates running in the Nov. 5 elections. Confirmed candidates for the fair include Democrats Tony Corcoran, Vicki Walker, Robert Ackerman and Floyd Prozanksi, Republicans David Alsup and Greg McNeill, and Libertarian Jay Bozievich.
Looking forward to seeing how students and candidates interact, Petkun said the best thing about the fair is the number of candidates who were eager to attend.
“When we vote, they really do listen,” he said. Because of the high number of candidates Petkun contacted, he said he expects more than the confirmed number will attend.
The Ballot Measure Fair will include both proponents and opponents of four ballot measures. Participating groups will staff information tables at the fair, allowing students and community members to pick up literature and ask questions regarding the measures.
“We tried to find everyone possible,” said ASUO legislative associate Steffan Myers, who has been planning for the event and contacting potential participants since the campaign started in May.
Although only a handful of participants have confirmed with the ASUO office, Myers said he also expects some of the other groups he has contacted to attend at the last minute.
Ballot Measure 23, which puts before voters a comprehensive health care plan for the state, will be represented by both supporters and opponents. ASUO is still seeking opponents of Measure 25, a proposed increase of minimum wage, Measure 26, which would prohibit payment of petition signature-gatherers, and Measure 27, which would require that genetically engineered foods be labeled.
“The ASUO wants to provide every avenue possible for students to become well educated on the issues surrounding this year’s ballot measures and candidates,” Myers said. “Our goal is to leave students feeling confident in their ability to make smart choices.”
Caron Alarab is a freelance writer
for the Emerald.