GSU Rocks the Vote

At this year's convocation, GSU President, Elaine P. Maimon proudly wore a "GSU Votes" button and stressed the importance of civic engagement.

Maimon told the crowd that we all have an opportunity to make a difference. "Without being partisan, we can encourage students to register and to vote," she said.

Accordingly, the college's Student Senate led by Brandon Sanders launched the first ever Rock the Vote campaign at GSU.

In collaboration with the Cook County Clerk, several senators and staff members were trained and took the oath of Deputy Registrars to ensure that GSU would have the proper tools to register students to vote.

Sanders, who also serve as the university's IBHE representative, would like for everyone to get excited about the process and ultimately get involved.

"Everyone has the right to be heard and what we are doing is making it possible for people to exercise their god given and constitutional rights," said Sanders.

Eric Williams, President of the Student Veterans Association agrees, "We owe a great debt to the people that made voting possible. Voting is a privilege that should not be taken lightly, it should be exercised," he said.

During the Month of September, members of the senate will be in the hall of governors registering new voters and offering change of address services to existing voters who have recently relocated.

Voter Registration Applicants must be U.S citizens, 18 years old by the next election, and display two pieces of identification of which one must include the voter's current address.

Interim Assistant Dean of Students, Sharee Sanderson believes that student senators are doing an exceptional job and she applauds them for their hard work and insistence.

"As part of our efforts on civic engagement it is important to educate our students on the importance of voting and understanding the political process," Sanderson said. "Student Senate members have been instrumental in displaying leadership to ensure that our students and the community are connected and informed.

Senate Treasurer, Shawnta Young admitted that working on the campaign has been both heartwarming and extremely gratifying.

"I have had the opportunity to meet a lot people on campus that I otherwise would never have had the opportunity to meet. I am most excited to see young people like myself registering to vote, the experience really has been heartfelt.

GSU's Rock the Vote campaign will culminate with a major National Voters Registration Day celebration that will be held in the Hall of Governors on September 25 from 4pm to 7pm.

"All are welcome to attend a gala event with good food, fun, and surprises, said Senate Secretary," Regina Haynes.

National Voters Registration Day is sponsored by League of Women Voters, Rock the Vote, National Congress of Black Women and Mass Vote.