On Nov. 8, the United States will elect its 45th president.
Not everyone can just show up and vote — you must be registered prior to the election, and the last day to register is on Oct. 11.
Voting registration takes only five minutes via an online website and, luckily for WCU students, we have a partnership with TurboVote, which is a site that makes it quick and easy to register.
Check out the website https://wcu. turbovote.org because with TurboVote, you can get an absentee ballot, find your polling location, update your address and choose to vote locally as well as sign up for text and email reminders.
In addition to TurboVote, our campus is doing so much to encourage WCU students to exercise their right to vote. All of the efforts put forth by the faculty, staff and Campus Election Coordinators are done in a nonpartisan way.
The Office of Service Learning and Volunteer Programs has added a voter section on their web page with helpful information to keep you well-educated before the election. This can be found on on the WCU site at http:// www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.slv/ wcuVotes.aspx.
Every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there is a table outside of the Lawrence Dining Hall with flyers and information on TurboVote.
Every Wednesday, there is a table from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Science Center on North Campus.
Throughout the months of September and October, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) is hosting a table in Sykes.
Events will be held throughout the semester so students can feel engaged and informed before Nov. 8.
The Center for Women and Gender Equity will be hosting “Your Vote: Know Before You Go” on Monday, Sept. 26 from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in Sykes Ballroom 115. This event is held so that students can learn more about where presidential and local candidates stand on important issues before heading to the polls.
These issues include equal pay, family leave, reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights.
Voter registration will also be taking place at this event. After the event, the presidential debate will be televised, so come watch with fellow classmates and join the fun.
This event is taking place in the Sykes Theater, hosted by the Honors Student Association.
Remember to be mindful of everyone’s views, no matter if they are similar or different to yours, and show respect; we can all enlighten one another with our ideas and opinions.
Tuesday, Sept. 27 is National Voter Registration Day and there will be tables hosted by organizations and clubs all across campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Be sure to stop by these tables for another opportunity to register, meet friends to discuss how to make your voice count in this election and pick up some candy while you’re there.
At this event, learn where candidates stand on issues so that you are fully prepared, because your vote counts.
On Nov. 8, get out to the polls and vote. A friendly reminder: Look up your polling location if you are voting locally, because there are many locations in West Chester, but only one is your correct location.
Buses to local polls will be provided to those who live on South Campus, so be sure to look out for the bus stop.
Remember that your vote is your voice, so if you do not vote, you should not complain about the outcome. This is a civic duty many citizens before us have fought hard for, so be proud and participate.
At all of the tables and events, you will find little red, white and blue pieces of paper stating, “GO PURPLE. GO GOLD. GO VOTE. I vote because…” Please fill one out on why you vote because these will then be formed into a collage showing why WCU students want to vote.
If you have any questions about these upcoming events, want to learn more about voter engagement or want to host a table with your club or organization, be sure to reach out to the Office of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs.
These opportunities and events are here on campus to encourage and educate all students in the best way pos- sible.
Remember that Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Voting is the foundation stone for political action.”
Aileen Assumma is a third-year student majoring in English literature. She can be reached at AA823823@wcupa.edu.