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10.9.98
eight.a
kansan
I WANT YOU
Lack of notable causes no reason to be apathetic
by heather woodward special to the kansan
We hear you asking: "I want to register to vote, but i just don't know where." Here's where:
When Allan Cigler, professor of political science, began teaching at the University
teaching at the University of Kansas in the 1970s, students had a slew of causes calling them to the voting box—most prominently, the Vietnam War and the subsequent draft. But for students today, finding a clear-cut reason to vote isn't as easy.
I a be surprised if a quarter of the campus showed up to vote," Cigler said. "People get involved when they see that they have a stake in what's going on. I don't see anything that will really affect student involvement in the next couple years."
He said that traditionally, the number of college students who voted had been about 10 percent less than other adult groups. The fact is, students have less of a vested interest in decisions made by elected officials, he said. For example, they are not generally paying property taxes.
Phil Stephenson, president of the KU Young Democrats, said he thought that student exposure to local politicians and issues was a perfect way to create more political awareness. The Young Democrats have registered 600 students at a booth in front of Wesco Hall since the beginning of the semester.
"Some of the state races will really help on both sides of the ticket because the issues have more of a direct impact on students," he said. "We've talked to a lot of people who never really felt like their vote mattered before."
Ward Cook, president of the KU College Republicans, said it would take a wave of fresh idealism in the federal government to motivate college students to vote.
"KU is a very apathetic campus," he said. "There is little or no motivation to vote in part because of what students see about politics in the media and in the political arena in general has lost the whole idea that political leaders are people we are supposed to respect and honor."
After the 1964 election, Newsweek conducted a poll of 380 potential voters between the ages of 18 and 29. Thirty-nine percent responded that they thought that government leaders could not make progress because problems in the United States have become too complicated.
"I think it's important to vote, because at the very least, students need to be aware of who's running and what's going on in the election," she said. "And students need to know that their vote could possibly make a difference."
But not all students have steered clear of the ballot box. John Gallon, Fredonia junior, went out of his way to vote in 1996. All the booths were full, so he just filled out his ballot on the side of a fire truck parked nearby.
"I think a lot of the issues in politics do affect students, like all of the educational stuff," he said. "I vote because if I didn't then I wouldn't have any room to complain about politicians doing a bad job. Plus, we have a chance to make a difference now about things that will matter to us in a few years."
Still, if student concern about political issues is gaged by the rosters of the two most prominent groups on campus, there isn't much to go around. There are 90 Democrats and 70 Republicans in their respective clubs.
Lindsay Davis, Bonner Springs senior,
echoed his comments.
It's easy to register
By Chad Bettes
Kansan staff writer
A big election is approaching quickly, and a few days remain before the voter registration deadline.
Patty James, Douglas County clerk, said it was easy to register in Lawrence and around Kansas. Every United States citizen 18 years or older without a felony conviction is eligible.
A form must be completed to register, James said. The form can be obtained at 10 locations in Lawrence and in several other locations in the Douglas County cities of Baldwin, Eudora and Lecompton.
KinderCare Learning Centers, 2333 Crestline Drive, is one example of a location in the city that accepts voter registrations. Center assistant director Dena Kent said that employees set up a small table near the entrance where people could complete the registration form.
The registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 19, and James said her office would extend its office hours for walk-ins on the 15th, 16th and 19th. The extended hours will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
"At least 100 people have taken advantage of this in previous years." Kent said.
"On the deadline, we'll be swamped," James said. Other options for students, faculty and staff are the registration tables available through Tuesday on the fourth floor of the Kansas Union. A table also will be set up outside of Wesco Hall today.
James said her office, 1100 Massachusetts St., also would provide the form by mail to those who request it by calling 832-5267.
For students who are registered in other states or counties, James said there were two options — requesting an advance ballot from the county you are registered in or re-registering with a new address in Lawrence.
The tables are being sponsored by the Student Legislative Awareness Board.
For example, students from Wichita who want to cast their vote there should contact the Sedgwick County election office.
"If students want to vote in their home area, they should immediately contact the election office there or their parents to assist in getting ballots," James said.
Marilyn Chapman, Sedgwick County election commissioner, said that the earlier students contacted her the better. She said the special number to request a ballot by mail is 800-822-7011, ext. 7094. The request must be received by mail to the election office by Oct. 20.
For those selecting the re-registration option, the previous voting location is notified and the voter is removed from that voting list.
As of September, James said 55,089 people had registered in Douglas County. Independent voters number 17,712 and trail only the Republican registration, which is at 20,689. Democrats have 15,990 registered voters, and other parties account for the rest.
Someone who has permanently moved to a new address or had a name change must re-register, James said.
Some people think they have to declare a political affiliation to register, James said, but that is not a requirement. A registrant can choose to be registered as an independent.
Pallavi Agarwal contributed to this story.
"People get involved when they see that they have a stake in what's going on.I don't see anything that will really affect student involvement in the next couple years."
voters' guide
☑ Registered to vote
□ Plans to vote on Nov. 3
"What are your plans concerning next month's general elections?"
allan cigler professor of political science
Toyin Adeyanju,
Lawrence junior
Registered to vote
Plans to vote on Nov. 3
"If time permits, I plan to vote in the upcoming election."
"i don't vote until I get informed on the issues, and I haven't researched them yet."
Travis Gunter Shawnee sophomore
11th St.
Matthew Candelaria,
Denver graduate
student
☑ Registered to vote
□ Plans to vote on Nov. 3
“I don’t usually
vote unless I’m
informed, and I
haven’t had time as
of yet.”
2801 W.31st St
Registered to vote
Plans to vote on Nov. 3
"I just registered at the post set up in front of Wescoe Hall."
V
All graphics by Kristi Elliott / KANSAN