DU students encouraged to rock the vote early this year
Emily Taylor
Issue date: 10/7/08 Section: News
In past presidential elections, lines at Ohio voting sites have stretched out the door, causing voters to have to wait for hours to cast their vote for the country's next commander in chief.
This year, though, things are different in the state of Ohio.
Early voting officially began in the state last Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Those registered in Licking County are able to vote early at the County Administration Building at 20 South Second Street in Newark from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
According to representatives from the Licking County Board of Elections, Licking County has one of the highest numbers for voter registrations, but also one of the lowest for turnouts.
They said they hope the new early voting system will help turn this situation around, especially because Denison University is included in the county's precinct.
Some Denison students said they think it is a good idea to allow early voting in the state.
"I think it's good for the people who feel they are 'too busy' to vote, because now they don't have an excuse," senior Samantha Webb said of the new system. "I won't be utilizing it, because I want to make sure I have every shred of info I can."
Junior LaForce Baker, the leader of Denisonians for Obama, who has been very active in the candidate's campaign, said he agrees with Webb.
"In my opinion, early voting gives both the candidates an advantage, because those votes are going to count first on the day of the election," Baker said. "Also, it is easier to garner support when you can say that 'x' number of people have already pledged to vote for you early."
While some students at Denison believe early voting is a good option, some question its effectiveness.
"I think it's a great idea that, unfortunately, the majority of people will never consider a viable option," senior Alex Rosenberg said. "I don't see Election Day lines going away any time soon, but it is nice to have [another] option."
Baker said he thinks early voting takes away the excuse of not having enough time, which hopefully will encourage more people to vote when they can, rather than having to go on a particular day.
"People should not complain about the policies of a particular candidate or president they don't support if they do not vote, because they did not try to prevent them from being elected, plain and simple," Baker added.
It remains to be seen how many people will end up using this new option.
Regardless, many students are adamant that voting is especially important in this year's election.
"This is one of the most important elections of our lifetime," sophomore Amanda Daniels said. "Whether it is absentee ballots, early voting, or showing up on Election Day, people need to get to the polls."
This year, though, things are different in the state of Ohio.
Early voting officially began in the state last Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Those registered in Licking County are able to vote early at the County Administration Building at 20 South Second Street in Newark from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
According to representatives from the Licking County Board of Elections, Licking County has one of the highest numbers for voter registrations, but also one of the lowest for turnouts.
They said they hope the new early voting system will help turn this situation around, especially because Denison University is included in the county's precinct.
Some Denison students said they think it is a good idea to allow early voting in the state.
"I think it's good for the people who feel they are 'too busy' to vote, because now they don't have an excuse," senior Samantha Webb said of the new system. "I won't be utilizing it, because I want to make sure I have every shred of info I can."
Junior LaForce Baker, the leader of Denisonians for Obama, who has been very active in the candidate's campaign, said he agrees with Webb.
"In my opinion, early voting gives both the candidates an advantage, because those votes are going to count first on the day of the election," Baker said. "Also, it is easier to garner support when you can say that 'x' number of people have already pledged to vote for you early."
While some students at Denison believe early voting is a good option, some question its effectiveness.
"I think it's a great idea that, unfortunately, the majority of people will never consider a viable option," senior Alex Rosenberg said. "I don't see Election Day lines going away any time soon, but it is nice to have [another] option."
Baker said he thinks early voting takes away the excuse of not having enough time, which hopefully will encourage more people to vote when they can, rather than having to go on a particular day.
"People should not complain about the policies of a particular candidate or president they don't support if they do not vote, because they did not try to prevent them from being elected, plain and simple," Baker added.
It remains to be seen how many people will end up using this new option.
Regardless, many students are adamant that voting is especially important in this year's election.
"This is one of the most important elections of our lifetime," sophomore Amanda Daniels said. "Whether it is absentee ballots, early voting, or showing up on Election Day, people need to get to the polls."
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