Vote Week now underway on campus
Monday, September 19, 2016
As the presidential race enters its homestretch, the Department of Leadership and Campus Life has a lineup of events to help the Oklahoma State University and Stillwater community learn more about the election. The Vote Week Cowboys Count event incorporates a variety of programs and activities to educate participants on the political process.
“The purpose of this is to give students more information about not only the voting process, but also the state questions,” said Dawson Metcalf, one of the event coordinators. “Sometimes young voters are disconnected, but creating fun events to engage students is one of the best ways to get them more involved.”
Vote week includes a Cans for Candidates food drive that is bringing some friendly competition to campus. The canned food drive, benefiting the Oklahoma Food Bank, is underway at three University Dining Services locations, including Union Express, 20 Something, and Adams Market. Participants are encouraged to donate canned goods to their favorite presidential candidate’s box at those locations through Sept. 26.
Tables are set up near the Chi-O Clock in the Student Union Plaza with information to help anyone register to vote or answer questions about the voter registration process each weekday through Sept. 26..
Wednesday, Sept. 21, will mark the pinnacle of Vote Week with several events planned, including a Round Up Block Party from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on the Student Union Plaza. Enjoy free cotton candy, snow cones and popcorn, along with a patriotic-themed photo booth, music, an inflatable obstacle course and information about the state questions and voter registration. Then plan to attend Pies & Politics at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Theater. Senator-elect Tom Duggar will be speaking about civic engagement, along with a panel of international students who will discuss voting practices and procedures in their home countries. The night will wrap up in true patriotic fashion with free blueberry, cherry and apple pie as well as coffee for attendees to enjoy.
A presidential debate watch party is set for Monday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Union’s Cowboy Underground (basement) in conjunction with bingo. Voters will have the opportunity to hear from the candidates as well as win great prizes. Vote Week concludes with National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, Sept. 27.
The Department of Leadership and Campus Life encourages participants to use #LeadOrange to stay connected during the events. Be sure to visit lcl.okstate.edu/voteweek2016 for more information about the Vote Week Cowboys Count program as well as voting information.
With more than 475 student organizations on the OSU campus, the Student Union plays a fundamental role in their operations and houses the Department of Leadership and Campus Life and its organizations. The department builds campus communities and enhances the academic experience through a variety of cultural, educational, leadership, service, social and recreational programs. For more information about the Department of Leadership and Campus Life, visit lcl.okstate.edu.