More than 200 register to vote

The 18-24 year-old demographic consistently lags behind in voter turnout, but one group has decided to try to change that.

The Women's Studies Student Association (WSSA) sponsored a voter registration drive Tuesday and Wednesday at the Memorial Student Center Plaza.

The volunteers shared information about voter registration and assisted students in the process.

"We have wanted to do a voting drive ever since summer," WSSA President Kate Johnson said.

"Many students don't vote because they are away from their hometown," she said. "And we think that it is important to let students know that they can obtain voting status in Huntington."

WSSA registered more than 200 people over the course of the event.

"The election is November 7 and the results will affect every individual," said Nate Kuratomi, president of the Young Democrats.

"The key to get 18- 24-year-olds to vote is to first get them registered," he added. "And WSSA did a great job with the voting drive."

Johnson said the program wasn't intended to sway peoples' voting patterns, but to get them involved in the voting process.

"We are not trying to tell people how to vote," Johnson said. "The most important goal of WSSA is sending the message to actually go and vote."

The two-day event featured speakers and literature to educate potential voters.

The program also featured discussions about voting issues affecting women.

"It is important for women to vote because their freedoms need to be upheld and their concerns addressed," said Paul Kuharish, College Republicans vice president.

Dr. Lynn Rigsbee, political science professor, gave a speech on the importance of voting for a candidate that reflects the individual's views.

"Vote your heart, vote your conviction," he said. "Voting is the most important decision you will make as a political being."