Student aid political campaigns
The 2012 presidential election has arrived, and with it, the opportunity for college students across the country to become more involved in politics. Many University of Indianapolis students are taking advantage of this opportunity.
UIndy has two political clubs, College Democrats, College Republicans. While some students are very active politically, junior political science major Peter Eckel believes that there should be more interest in politics.
“There should definitely be more [political interest], I think that there are other clubs that people may find more appealing,” Eckel said.
Eckel is involved in politics both on and off campus and, he has been involved in Melina Kennedy’s campaign for mayor and Andre Carson’s campaign for congress.
“I got involved with Melina Kennedy and I really enjoyed that experience. I learned a lot from it so I went for another one,” Eckel said. “It [being involved in political campaigns] has taught me to be organized. It’s helped me to be more personable and to communicate with people better. I’ve gained a lot of personal connections as well.”
Another junior political science major, Keith Carpenter, has aided republican campaigns. While their views may differ, both Eckel and Carpenter are benefiting from the same experiences.
“It’s really good for networking,” Carpenter said. “You get to meet a lot of individuals you’d probably never meet. And it’s really good for your resume.”
Senior political science major Jayveer Gray, who is currently working with the Obama for America campaign, has also gained a great deal from being active in politics, including job experience he hopes to use in his future at law school.
All three students would like to see more people active in politics and getting the same rewards that they are getting through their awareness of and involvement in politics.
“It would be nice to see a bigger turnout for all the groups,” Carpenter said.
Eckel agreed and really hopes that the groups can push more awareness and registration for the upcoming election.
“People need to understand what issues they’re most passionate about and what issues directly affect them,” Eckel said. “If you lean more Republican, that’s fine with me—just know why you lean that way. Don’t just say ‘I’m a Democrat.’ Tell my why you are a Democrat.”
Gray’s story is an example of Eckel’s wish to see people knowledgeable of the issues that affect them. Gray became interested in politics when he heard his older siblings complaining about their funding being cut in college. Gray became curious as to why this was and dove into politics.
“When I have kids, I want them to be in a society where education is pushed. I feel like looking in on politics education is one of the most important things for me,” Gray said.
All of the campus groups are working to get more people registered to vote and educated on the prominent political issues.
“We are doing a lot of voter registration, trying to get people to register. That’s the most important thing,” Eckel said. “Trying to get the word out about the election, and not necessarily just tell people to vote our way, but telling people to vote.”
Gray thinks that one of the reasons the number of people voting is far lower than it has been in the past is because they are too distracted by other things and do not prioritize it.
“Entertainment, in a negative standpoint, has taken over our society. It has blocked out the importance of things, such as voting and being aware of things that are happening,” Gray said.
These three as well as other UIndy students are contributing to the elections, but Carpenter said that he would definitely like to see more of a political interest at the university. Gray also would like to see an interest and people taking action.
“People need to know that this directly affects our future. You can’t complain if you don’t vote,” Gray said.
Gray encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote, and posed the question to students.
“They [students] will tell me their vote doesn’t matter,” Gray said. “Why doesn’t your vote matter?”
