'Get Out the Vote' drive mobilizes student voters

The Student Government Association is mobilizing the DePaul community to vote during the upcoming primary and general elections.

Saturday, Feb. 4, SGA equipped students with voter registration information and some one-on-one time with local politicians.

"This is part of our civic engagement push," said SGA President Anthony Alfano. "We want to make sure our voice is heard not only at DePaul, but on the state and local level as well."

Voter registration booths were set up around the Lincoln Park campus, including at the Student Center, the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreational Center, and Dominick's.

SGA handed out registration forms and primary cards that show students how and where to vote on Election Day. They also helped update voter information for students either living out of state or who have not registered to vote before. By updating information, students can replace their previous registration so that they can vote on the DePaul campus in the 5th District.

"It's my civic duty," said Alyssa Rogowski, a freshman at DePaul who registered to vote. "I feel like I can still make a change in this country."

While some students still feel unfamiliar with the candidates, the need to vote has not diminished.

"Even if you are not aware of or don't know the candidates, you should have this option [to vote]," said freshman Jessica Schell. "That's important."

That evening, local politicians gathered with students at the DePaul Art Museum, where officials spoke about their jobs and gave students the opportunity to ask questions.

"It gives me hope when I see this," Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) told The DePaulia. "There are contested races throughout the Midwest that are going to matter. The battlegrounds are right here."

Quigley joined other politicians representing DePaul, including 43rd Ward Ald. Michele Smith, 32nd Ward Ald. Scott Waguespack, State Rep. Anne Williams, Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey and Republican Committeeman John Curry.

"I think students come to DePaul not knowing who represent them," said SGA Vice President of Operations Emily Duddleston. "I think a lot of people are turned off from the presidential campaigns because of all the drama."

SGA said this is only the first push to get students involved in the upcoming elections, although no plans have been announced yet.

"SGA is 100 percent supportive of getting votes out there," said Senator for Community & Government Relations Abin Kuriakose. "Here at DePaul, we will have voting stations available."

Out-of-state students can also cast an absentee ballot up until their state's primary.

Candidates for federal, legislative, judicial and county offices will be running in this year's election. The 2012 Illinois General Primary Election takes place March 20, and the General Election will take place Nov. 6.