Photo by Emily Peedin
By Chase Alston
The time has come. We think four years is a long time, but truthfully time is fleeting and moving at such a rapid pace that it’s hard to grasp what is around the corner. Voting for the 2024 election is soon ahead of us, and even if November 5 seems like a long time away, there is much preparation that needs to be done sooner than later. Voting may seem nerve-wracking considering that, for most of us, this will be the first election where we can exercise our voices. This means responsibility and the realization that we’re developing into adults and active citizens of the United States. I know that for me personally, this feels unreal. Just a few months ago, I was a highschool student with teachers walking me through life, but now I’m in college with new responsibilities to take on. And now, on top of this new life, I have an added responsibility to vote. Although this can feel scary, NC State has made this transition easy to embrace and has provided many tools for new students to feel at ease when voting. Voting does not have to feel like an adult burden anymore; with the right education and steps towards the big day, it can be taken in stride.
NC State’s goals consist of educating and involving students in active citizenship to teach them the importance of voting. To achieve this, NCSU has organized Pack the Polls, a group that brings together students and the local community to learn about voting and the different elements taken into consideration when it’s time to vote. By holding civic engagement activities, they’re able to reach the student body and educate through interaction and personal relationships. Upcoming events consist of Dining with Democracy, Voting Toolkit Sessions and City of Raleigh Candidates Living Room. Visit Pack the Polls to register and get more information on how to get involved!
Not only does NCSU provide campus events for further education, but our very own Talley Student Union is an early voting and registration site for the 2024 election! Beginning October 17 and ending November 2, Talley Student Union will be a place for students to do “one-stop” voting where they’re able to register and vote all at one time during the set dates. For registration eligibility, students will need to bring a valid photo ID card issued by NC (WolfPack OneCard is acceptable), must be a citizen of the US, at least 18 years of age by November 5, 2024, reside in county of registration for at least 30 days and not be in jail or prison for a felony conviction. If you’re an out-of-state student, there are options for you as well. Out-of-state students may register to vote using their current North Carolina address and participate in voting early at Talley Student Union. Voting on campus is not only convenient, but also simple to do, courtesy of the Board of Elections. The countless staff and volunteers who help set up ballots during election season, take time from their everyday lives to cater to the students and staff of NC State.
Drusilla Williams, a NC State Chief Judge, said, “We do this because we think it’s important, and the thing that makes our day is when a lot of people show up and vote, because that’s how good decisions get made. We want people to take advantage of that opportunity and make it as easy as we can for them to do that.”
As the Board of Elections comes in to print, distribute and set up available polls for everyone on campus, the priorities of the voters are at the forefront of the volunteers mind. Voting on campus is easy and now it’s up to you! Register today!
Now that you’re informed of all NC State campus has to offer considering voting, it’s up to you to take advantage of all available resources and use them to be an active member of society. Not only is being an active member fundamental, but further discovering your own political values and which way you’d like to vote is equally as important. Be sure to practice safe media consumption, stay up to date on current events and make the best informed decisions dependent upon your belief system.