The biannual College Republican and College Democrat debate series demonstrated that representatives of typically polarized ideologies on campus could find solidarity on at least one issue.
Both organizations stood in disagreement with Senate bills 666 and 667, which could shorten the early voting period and deny families the opportunity to claim dependents that vote at an address other than that of the family claiming the deduction.
“I don’t like this bill,” Republican debater Giancarlo Lookman said. “Though I do agree with the fact that more students should be voting in the places where they’re going to move to later or where they have a big interest in, I don’t agree with the foundations of this bill. This bill doesn’t take a step in the right direction.”
The next morning, Watauga County Democratic Party leadership gathered in Plemmons Student Union to announce a campaign against potential laws in the General Assembly that could make it harder for students to vote near campus.
Mollie Clawson, president of the College Democrats, presented a firm stance against the bills, saying that “voters choose politicians, politicians don’t choose voters.”
“It really scares me to death that students’ rights would be taken away, because I have fought for years in this town to make sure that students had the right to vote,” Mayor Loretta Clawson said. “I cannot believe what is happening in Raleigh right now.”
Boone Town Councilmember Andy Ball said the bills infringe upon the voters’ rights by making it harder to vote.
“It’s putting more berries in place,” Ball said.
Attendance at the conference was sparse, with mostly College Democrats present; however, members of local press were on hand to cover the event.
“I do think that [the press conference] will make a difference, but we have to stand up,” Loretta Clawson said. “[Students] have to stand up; we have to stand up as elected leaders.”
Ball said there will be a photo shoot for people to come in and take pictures holding signs in support of the “I Vote” campaign.
“This is just incredible to me, to see this happening in this wonderful state,” Loretta Clawson said.
Story: JOSHUA FARMER, News Editor
Photo: ANEISY CARDO, Staff Photographer