Royal Purple

Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Kristine Johnson Members of College Democrats Abril Curiel, Gretchen Yeo and Samuel Gilber help senior Jazmin Castellanos register to vote Wednesday in the University Center lobby.

Voter registration is made easy this year with many places and times for students to register.

Student Service Program Manager Jan Bilgen said it's important for students to become informed on registering and the candidates running for election.

"Registering on campus before Oct 15 is the smart thing to do, informed voting is the right thing to do," she said.

Career and Leadership Development, room 146 in the University Center, offers a chance for students to register to vote in on campus every day. They are taking voter registrations until Oct. 15 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

There will also be registration tables held by the League of Women Voters in Drumlin or Esker Halls from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 1, 7, 8, and 14. Only a current drivers license is needed.

Jan Bilgen encourages students to come and register as soon as possible.

"Both opportunities are sponsored by neutral organizations and all students, regardless of political belief are encouraged to stop by and complete the necessary form," she said. "Registering to vote will make election day easier for the voter and reduce waiting time."

Career and Leadership Development's JoEllen Shelton also encourages students to get their registration papers in earlier in the day so that they can be processed that same day.

"Students can bring them in as late as 8 p.m. during the week, but there isn't a deputy here so they won't be looked at until the next morning."

Although you can register after Oct. 15, Bilgen strongly encourages students to register before that.

"Also due to state laws, a voter can register on election day but it will sometimes double the waiting time due to paperwork requirements and is more complicated after Oct. 15."

Students that normally vote in their home towns are encouraged to register to vote in Whitewater. This way, they can register early with their new change of address, and vote right away on Nov. 4.

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