Establishing a national holiday for voting and leaving the polls open for 24 hours were just two of the suggested reforms offered by UMD students during the Terrapin Town Hall on the "Student Vote 2004."

Sponsored by the Department of Communication's Center for Political Communication and Civic Leadership (CPCCL), the December 10, 2003 event was an opportunity for students to talk to students about political engagement among the 18-24 year old voting group.

With nearly 200 students in attendance, the 90 minute event was moderated by four seniors majoring in Communication or Government & Politics and working with the CPCCL over the course of the semester on youth civic participation. The foursome (Tat'Yana Chernyak, Jane Garofalo, Daenia Peart, and Alexis Zeiden) disseminated data on the voting patterns of 18-24 year olds, the history of voting restrictions, and impending issues in the U.S. Congress that affect the lives of college-aged students. Most significantly, the moderators posed questions to an audience eager to share their views, frustrations, and solutions regarding matters of civic cynicism.

From the outset, a clear divide existed between those students who felt a civic responsibility to vote and become knowledgeable about political candidates and issues versus those who felt uninformed, disengaged, and who called for political reforms to help them overcome feelings of alienation. Shawn Parry-Giles, Director of the CPCCL, noted that, "What became most apparent is that a fair number of students lack knowledge about basic political processes such as how to vote. Others admitted that they weren't informed enough on the issues or the candidates to make educated choices, which are concerns that we as educators need to address."

Regarding matters of disengagement, several students expressed cynicism over a political process that they believe marginalizes persons of color from political deliberations in Congress or from voting, citing the 2000 election as evidence of the problem. Others were troubled that third parties are often excluded from political participation. A belief that the issues do not affect them represented another commonly expressed explanation for their political apathy.

In response to such admonitions, the students identified several political reforms that would help them become more engaged. Many of the solutions centered on providing enhanced educational opportunities for students in the classroom and in similar public forums. Other solutions focused on making voting easier, e.g., allowing students to vote on campus, registering students to vote at clubs, keeping the polls open for 24 hours, and creating a national holiday for voting.

In response to such suggestions, one student noted that "the voting booth should not be like a 7-11 store-open all night." Others expressed similar frustrations, charging, "we should stop being lazy and take responsibility for our own political education." Yet others seemed to agree that any measure which "would make voting easier" is worth considering.

In the end, students registered to vote and even more picked up absentee ballot fliers. Many seemed appreciative to have the opportunity to share their opinions and listen to the views of others. After the event ended, one student concluded, "seldom are we asked about out views. It is just nice to have this chance to talk with one another. I think it will help encourage more of us to actually take the time to vote."

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