Spring Break
Feinstein Center hosts mock elections, puts spotlight on
Christina Cannon and Lindsay Lorenz
Issue date: 9/18/08 Section: News
09/18/08 - In celebration of Citizenship Day, University of Rhode Island faculty, staff and students gathered to cast their "vote" and raise awareness about the upcoming presidential election yesterday on the Quadrangle as part of a mock election hosted by the Feinstein Center for Service Learning.
Formerly known as Constitution Day, Citizenship Day celebrates the ratification of the constitution back in 1787. Since URI receives federal funding, it is required to hold activities that spotlight the constitution and what it means to be a US citizen.
Seth Steinman, coordinator for the URI leadership institute said there was a large turnout for the fake presidential elections. In addition to the table on the Quadrangle, students also gathered in the Memorial Union to fill out their ballots and register in their home states for November's real election.
"We are trying to create good citizenship," Steinman said. "By people participating, we are reminding them that they can vote because the opportunity to register is available right here on the Quad."
With a black presidential candidate and female vice presidential candidate on the ballot,
most students agreed that this year's election is an important one. "This is one of the most controversial elections ever," said sophomore Allie Medeiros who participated in yesterday's mock election.
Junior Thomas Barkman said it's important to vote in this year's election because of the results of the last year's presidential elections.
"I think that the mock election is cool/interesting/good for learning where the majority of URI stands in the political world," Barkman said.
"Look at who is running out nation; when he was elected president they made a 'Drinkin' with Dubya' talking bottle opener. It is as though our nation doesn't really care about the quality of public speaking, just how much we can laugh at them," Barkman said, adding,
"I assume that the majority of voters will vote for Obama."
Other students, like sophomore Dillon Clark, aren't so sure.
"I didn't vote because I don't know enough about the candidates I am not going to vote for someone just because people say I should."
But aside from which candidate "voters" preferred, the ballots also asked participants their gender, age and whether they were registered to vote.
"Voters" were also asked to indicate which issues they felt were important regarding the upcoming election. The ballots listed four main topics: international, domestic, economic and social issues. "Voters" chose sub-categories based on their concerns.
"You should get out and vote on Election Day no matter what beliefs, what party you're from, everyone has a voice that should be heard," said sophomore Amanda Clarke.
Formerly known as Constitution Day, Citizenship Day celebrates the ratification of the constitution back in 1787. Since URI receives federal funding, it is required to hold activities that spotlight the constitution and what it means to be a US citizen.
Seth Steinman, coordinator for the URI leadership institute said there was a large turnout for the fake presidential elections. In addition to the table on the Quadrangle, students also gathered in the Memorial Union to fill out their ballots and register in their home states for November's real election.
"We are trying to create good citizenship," Steinman said. "By people participating, we are reminding them that they can vote because the opportunity to register is available right here on the Quad."
With a black presidential candidate and female vice presidential candidate on the ballot,
most students agreed that this year's election is an important one. "This is one of the most controversial elections ever," said sophomore Allie Medeiros who participated in yesterday's mock election.
Junior Thomas Barkman said it's important to vote in this year's election because of the results of the last year's presidential elections.
"I think that the mock election is cool/interesting/good for learning where the majority of URI stands in the political world," Barkman said.
"Look at who is running out nation; when he was elected president they made a 'Drinkin' with Dubya' talking bottle opener. It is as though our nation doesn't really care about the quality of public speaking, just how much we can laugh at them," Barkman said, adding,
"I assume that the majority of voters will vote for Obama."
Other students, like sophomore Dillon Clark, aren't so sure.
"I didn't vote because I don't know enough about the candidates I am not going to vote for someone just because people say I should."
But aside from which candidate "voters" preferred, the ballots also asked participants their gender, age and whether they were registered to vote.
"Voters" were also asked to indicate which issues they felt were important regarding the upcoming election. The ballots listed four main topics: international, domestic, economic and social issues. "Voters" chose sub-categories based on their concerns.
"You should get out and vote on Election Day no matter what beliefs, what party you're from, everyone has a voice that should be heard," said sophomore Amanda Clarke.
