By Ivana Ellis, Ambrosia Buckner, and Luke King
Different opinions were found on Southeastern Louisiana University’s campus about this years Nov. 2 elections.The election includes lieutenant governor, u.s. senator, u.s. representative 1st congressional district, as well as certain constitutional amendments.
However, many students were unaware elections were taking place.
Bridget Tementz, a sophomore registered as a republican, said she was not aware of the details for the upcoming election. Tementz believes there should be more outgoing speeches within city hall’s to better inform the community.
Question marks drawn on the sidewalk symbolize students lacking Nov. 2 election information. Photo by Ivana Ellis.
Charles Long, a freshman registered without a party, said he was not aware of the upcoming election on Tuesday, but will vote now that he knows.
Long also said that Facebook would be a very efficient way to communicate with students at his age level.
Several other students also feel that using electronic media would be a viable way to interest and inform their age group about upcoming elections.
Matthew Jordon, a junior and registered democrat; is not voting in this Tuesday’s election but said, “Facebook could be the best way to inform students because they are always on it.”
Jordon was informed by reading on the internet.
Teresa, a freshman and registered democrat said, “I watched the debate, but it wasn’t enough information for me to decide anything.”
Teresa feels using e-mail or an article in the newspaper is the best way to inform the community.
Students on Southeastern’s campus are not fully informed, but were found to have strong thoughts about political issues.
“Poverty and welfare is an issue,” said Nick Anthony, a senior.
Anthony believes those on welfare should take drug test. He expressed how some people on welfare can not afford to buy food, but somehow find money to buy drugs.
After voicing his concerns, he stated his one vote would not change anything. Therefore, Anthony does not plan to vote for the Nov. 2 election.
Less informed students were found to be most popular around campus, but there were some students very informed about the upcoming election who do plan to vote.
Kyle Lebouf, an informed republican and junior majoring in Special Ed, feels it is very important to vote and makes sure her children are informed about the election.
Although Lebouf’s 17-year-old daughter is unable to vote this time around, her son in the military voted absentee from Hawaii.
Lebouf also stated that having a third unbiased party speak to voters about running candidates would be a great way to inform, assuming voters would feel less pressured to vote for a particular side.
Seth Matherene, a freshman registered as an independent member and currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Photo by Ivana Ellis.
Seth Matherene, a freshman registered as an independent and currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, is voting but doesn’t feel aware of all the proposed amendments.
However, Matherene believe proposed Amendment No. 2, discussing tax breaks for the military, is one to support.
Referring back to the best ways to inform students, “The most important way to become informed is by personal choice,” Matherene said You must be motivated to vote because individuals are the ones that make this country run. Get informed personally.”
Click here for more information on:
- Finding Voter, Address or Parish Information
- Am I a Voter?
- Constitution Amendment Information
- Checking Your Voting Status
- Voting Machine Locations and Hours of Operation
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