The Red and Black

Issue date: 8/7/08 Section: Athenscape

Media Credit: FILE PHOTO Students work the phones during a campaign for a state senate seat. [Click to enlarge]

For many students, college is the first chance to get involved in politics, whether it is attending a rally, listening to a lecture or standing on a street corner waving a sign for a chosen candidate.

"College for students is a big transition, they will become the person they will be for the rest of their lives," said Louis Elrod, president of the Young Democrats.

Members of both the College Republicans and Young Democrats not only engage in volunteer work but also serve as professional staff members in leadership roles.

"Getting involved politically opens many doors for students - whatever their major - and gives them the skills, contacts and experience needed to succeed in the workplace," Laura Stone, chairman of the College Republicans, said.

Political groups on campus are also preparing for the upcoming presidential election, which is very important for those of all political persuasions.

"This is the biggest presidential election that any of our members have seen or maybe will see in their life," Elrod said.

Stone said the upcoming election is equally important for the Republican Party.

"With the upcoming election, Republicans stand to gain or lose a lot, and that is why this fall is extremely important," Stone said. "As a whole, Republicans must work very diligently, and we cannot take anything for granted."

Political groups on campus host lectures and debates featuring speakers, such as State Rep. Doug McKillip, hosted by the Young Democrats, and State Rep. Barry Fleming and Congressman Paul Broun, hosted by the College Republicans.

College students can also play a large role in local elections.

"The campaign trail can be a rough one, and youth oftentimes provide the energy that a campaign needs to really kickoff a grassroots effort or enthusiastically phonebank," Stone said. "In more general terms, the youth vote could definitely sway any election nationwide with a potential 21,000,000 voting bloc."

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