The Student Body in the Senate Chambers
Photo submitted by: Kayla Carter
Students, faculty and staff crowded the Senate Chambers on Monday night to express the importance of exercising your right to vote. A table was set up inside for unregistered students to register themselves so they can be a voice in the November 6th elections.
The Florida A&M University Chapter of College Democrats expressed how important it was to go out and vote and for everyone’s voice to be heard. They also expressed that, when it comes down to millennials voting in the elections, it has always been challenging because some millennials are not engaged in politics.
Taylar Hall, one of the members, said that 50 years ago, when George W. Gore was the university president, FAMU students used to march from the set to the Capitol for voters rights to make sure the university had funding.
This senate meeting in particular was fighting to change the way millennials think when it comes to voting and making a change.
Jasmine Reed, a senior bio pre-med major, had other thoughts. “I’m not a registered voter in the state of Florida because I am not content with being represented by politicians I don’t know nor do I trust. I have never been the type to support a candidate based on their popularity.”
Dustin Daniels, a Democratic candidate for city mayor, made an appearance at the senate meeting and gave his reasoning on why it is important to vote, especially in this upcoming election.
Dustin Daniels, a Democratic Candidate for Mayor, speaking to the students about voting and what makes him a good candidate for City Mayor.
Photo submitted by: Kayla Carter
“This is the first time that a mayor’s races going to be determined in November when students are actually here and where you’re opinions matter. Normally election days can be during the summer when you’re not here to have your voices head, or during a time period where classes are going on,” said Daniels.
According to the College Democrats, they did some research and found that only 11 percent of FAMU students voted in the primary elections. College Democrats also talked about how the student body could flip an election with nine-thousand votes from FAMU students.
They also added that one of the challenges millennials face is not changing their address in order to vote in Leon County.
“I didn’t want to hassle with changing my address on my voter’s registration card because I knew I was going to stay in Tallahassee after I graduate. But I realized how important this election was, especially for the people of Tallahassee, so I changed my address over the summer so I could vote in November,” said Azjani Sprinkles, a FAMU student from Indianapolis.
A voting precinct will be available on FAMU’s campus to make it easier for students without transportation to vote.
Ashley Lacey, a visitor from Campus Election Engagement Projects, set up a table for students to register to vote and/or change their address to be able to vote.
“I know politics may seem boring, but just find something about politics that excites you, because when you do, that will make you want to vote,” said Lacey. “Find something that will impact you, even if its something small.”
October 9th is the last day to register to vote.