Despite Wesleyan’s reputation as a politically conscious community, the level of activism evident this year has been disappointing at best. As our nation prepares for what could be the most important election of our lifetimes, as a whole students on campus have remained disproportionately ambivalent. Although the lack of organized conservative student groups on campus hinders meaningful debate, it does not excuse the absence of activism.
While offering some opportunities for students to get involved, the Wesleyan Democrats have been plagued by poor turnouts and a lack of preparation. Attempts to organize a fall break excursion to Pennsylvania to recruit undecided voters attracted only a handful of volunteers. Dorm Storm, a drive to get out-of-state students to register absentee, ended in confusion and the likelihood that some students would be unable to vote.
With Election Day less than a week away, there are still plenty of opportunities for students to influence the presidential election; nearby swing states such as New Hampshire and Pennsylvania offer the opportunity to help undecided voters affect the outcomes of important elections. For those without transportation or who wish to avoid a four-hour drive, Democracy on the Quad allows students to call undecided voters across the country. While Connecticut is projected to send its five electoral votes to John Kerry, it is still important for members of the community to exercise their right to vote. In order to ensure this takes place, students can volunteer at Middletown polling stations or visit the Democratic headquarters on Election Day. Those who have failed to register to vote may do so in Middletown as late as 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
Presidential elections take place only once every four years. This is our one opportunity as undergraduates to make a difference in their results. Do not let this chance pass by.
Students interested in traveling to Pennsylvania should contact Betti Packman ’07 at bpackman@wesleyan.edu. To volunteer with Democracy on the Quad, e-mail Becca Linden ’05 at rlinden@wesleyan.edu. Students are also encouraged to pledge to vote at www.EndApathy.com.
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