Letter: Democrats register all, regardless of political affiliation

Details: Created on Tuesday, 18 September 2012 13:52

Dear Editor,

We appreciate Ms. Newkirk's opinion piece, and we're happy to accept her challenge of telling the truth about voters' choices in this election.

She concedes we're correct Gov. Romney is against birth control and will double student loan rates. However, a quick search would reveal that each of our other statements has thorough factual support, as well.

Even the archives of The Appalachian reveal [Republican County Commissioner] Tommy Adams saying, "Personally, I don't think that students should be allowed to vote in town and county elections unless they are from the town."

Meanwhile, Republican County Commissioner David Blust said "You may not like this answer, but I don't like students voting in elections."

But don't take our word for it - it's on YouTube. Your early voting, your one stop registration, your voting site on campus? These have each been targeted by Republicans, regardless of its effect on your ability to vote.

However, her primary complaint is the fact that Democrats are the ones out there every day, working for you.

Voter registration is not some nefarious political activity, and working to make sure all students can vote is in no way dirty politics.

We are firm believers in the democratic process, and the implication that we turn away Republicans is unequivocally false.

Of the more than 4,000 students we've registered, 4,000 students who can now vote in this election, we have only registered ten more Democrats than Republicans.

The fact is students are one of the most underrepresented demographics when it comes to civic participation.
But that's a shame, because we are the ones affected most by the decisions America makes today.

That's why we're out volunteering every day. Those people asking if you're registered to vote? They're students who want to give their classmates a voice, volunteering on a Wednesday during their lunch break because they are passionate about the cause that is so fundamental to our country: an active, healthy and representative democracy.

So regardless of your political affiliation, I encourage you to visit our table and register to vote. Talk to us about politics, and maybe even get involved, whether with us or our friends across the aisle.

Because when Nov. 7 comes around and the election has been decided, no matter who you are, the outcome is your future.