October 31, 2024
College Democrats President and Vice President offer advice for voters ahead of Election Day.
With the presidential election on the way, Winthrop’s College Democrats gear up for the Nov. 5 event.
The College Democrats are one of the many political groups on campus that offer an outlet for students interested in the Democratic Party.
“We offer a voice for Democrats on campus and a way to get our voices out there to encourage others to get out there and vote,” group President Caden Johnson said. “We offer fun and enjoyable experiences blended together with serious conversation topics. We also offer an outlet for students to get their voices out there.”
The group, along with the College Republicans, have hosted events throughout the semester to prepare for the upcoming election – including a debate watch party and a bi-partisan panel. Most recently, the groups hosted a debate between them.
“We facilitate room for discussion of ideas while encouraging our members to talk with each other to foster political participation and a greater understanding of modern politics,” Johnson said. “We often discuss modern topics within our events, and highlight struggles that exist around the world, and plan to create events about them. We encourage political efficacy and voting to achieve everybody’s political goals, and we create numerous events around the year to get people registered to vote, understand how to vote, and encourage people to get out to vote.”
Johnson recommends that students interested in becoming politically involved on campus become involved with the clubs and classes offered at Winthrop.
“The College Republicans, the Socialist Student Union, and the NAACP are all organizations that people should be participating more in if they aim to be more politically active on campus,” Johnson said. “Further, students should take some of the political science classes that are offered that focus more on political theory or practical applications of modern politics. There are many opportunities for students to get involved on campus. If students have a desire to be politically active, they should always be on the lookout for events that are happening.”
College Democrats’ Vice President Ollie Whitfield advises new voters to remain informed about the candidates through research.
“Students can stay informed about the election and candidates through their own efforts and research online but also by looking to political student leaders on campus, such as the College Democrats, College Republicans, and more,” Whitfield said. “Further, there are plenty of events that have been and continue to be hosted revolving around the campaign! Do your research, your vote matters and you should take it very seriously, you should be proud of the preparation you have done to ensure you are confident in your vote!”
As the College Democrats prepare for the election, Johnson advises the importance of this election.
“I think it’s one of the most vital elections America has seen, and I think it is quite embarrassing that this is where our country has come to in terms of candidates,” Johnson said. “It pains me to see that this is how far our country has dragged itself backward. As a Democrat, I don’t agree with everything Harris has said, but I can’t imagine standing for an ill-willed candidate such as Trump.”
College Democrats offer weekly meetings on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in Owens 103. For more information about the College Democrats, email collegedemocrats@mailbox.winthrop.edu or visit their Facebook at Winthrop University College Democrats or their Instagram at wu_democrats.
Early voting for South Carolina residents begins Oct. 21 and ends on Nov. 2. Requests for absentee ballots need to be received by Oct. 25. Absentee ballots must be returned by Nov. 5.
