By Elena Rowe
Staff members of the Beneficial-Hodson Library held a voter registration event on Sept. 22, National Voter Registration Day.
Library staff Mary Atwell, Jessica Hammack, and Kathryn Ryberg, along with junior Jessica Stewart, a student library worker, created the event.
“When I first heard that my task was to help out with the voter registration event, I was happy to help,” Stewart said. “This is a period of time in society where everyone should vote if they are eligible.”
The event is part of a larger voter education effort this fall that is being headed up by Becky VanWychen, residence life area coordinator of Memorial Hall and the New Residence Hall.
“I was asked by Dean White to chair the committee as a special project,” VanWychen said. “She knew I had experience with large scale planning at previous institutions and I felt I would do well organizing the campus’ voter initiatives.”
Members of the committee include the political science department, library staff, the Student Government Association and the career center.
The program will include lectures, discussions, and guest speakers leading up to election day on Nov. 3.
“I hope students attend these events, register to vote and make informed voting decisions,” VanWychen said. “We are planning some great things that I feel will definitely encourage voting; however, this is not something you can force someone to do.”
Associate professor of political science Carin Robinson stressed the importance of voting and political involvement.
“Over time, I’ve seen college students become less interested in politics,” Robinson said. “Data shows that younger generations are becoming less engaged overall and especially less interested in considering elected office as a career to aspire to.”
Robinson said she believes that when people are young is the prime time to vote.
“It is really important to capture people’s interest and engagement when they are first eligible to vote,” Robinson said. “Voting when you first become eligible is a good indicator for becoming a life-long voter.”
Robinson teaches three courses at Hood: Introduction to U.S. Politics, Campaigns and Elections, and Methods of Social Inquiry. She is the adviser to the Maryland Student Legislature on campus and has previously advised both the Hood Democrats and Hood Republicans.
Robinson said she feels that it is important for college students to take political science classes.
Robinson also said that with a Supreme Court vacancy following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the period leading up to the election is more intense. She expects both parties will use the vacancy to mobilize voters.
“Young people too often think government or politics doesn’t affect them,” Robinson said. “But the rights and liberties they enjoy or the right and liberties they hope to have or defend, all depend on young people’s commitment to participation in the electoral process.”
Raphaella Henson-Vendrell, junior and president of the Hood College Democrats, echoed the importance of voting.
“It is important for minorities and women to use their voice to elect someone who will support and fight for social, economic and environmental justice such as that exposed by the Black Lives Matter Movement, the pandemic, and the recent fires in California,” Vendrell said.
“I think it is important for students to vote, so they can choose someone that will lead the country, and hear the concerns, and suggestions from the American people,” Vendrell said.
“Voting isn’t just a right, it’s a responsibility,” said Jacob Keith, governor of the Maryland Student Legislator Club. “We benefit from others engaging in the electoral process, to act as a free-rider, is to willingly pacify yourself and give power to nationalistic fervor. You vote not only for your own well-being, but for the longevity and sanctity of the people of these United States. Vote Tuesday, Nov. 3. The future is in our hands.”
Learn more about voting and register to vote here.
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