IUSA to unveil Corvette

The president of the IU Student Association will drive a $50,000 cream and crimson Corvette into Dunn Meadow today, unveiling the top prize in a university-wide raffle that once required students to vote in November's election.\nThe sports car will be displayed in the southwest corner of Dunn Meadow, and will remain there until after the November election, said IUSA Vice President Judd Arnold. Security around the Corvette will include a fence, tarp and a security camera.\nIUSA announced last week that students are no longer required to vote in the upcoming election to have a chance at the Corvette. The decision came as legal experts and an Indiana election officer questioned whether "Project Vote Hard" breaks federal election law, which prohibits anyone from knowingly paying, offering to pay or accepting payment for registering to vote or voting.\nDeputy Secretary of State Todd Rokita told the Indiana Daily Student last week that his office would refer the matter to the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI if IUSA went through as planned.\nAt a 5:30 p.m. press conference today, IUSA President Bill Gray will explain the new rules.\nGray said the rules were changed because international students -- who cannot register to vote in this country -- would be excluded from the contest, not because of questions about the initiative's legality.\n"I am trying to be responsive to the concerns of all students. Nine percent of the students were unable to participate under the old rules," Gray said. "We are now able to include everyone."\nBut Gray said the goal of increasing voter registration on campus stands. IUSA hopes to register 10,000 students.\n"We encourage every student to vote if they so choose," Gray said. "Our age group is the least represented in national politics. If we choose to take part, our voices will be heard."\nDean of Students Richard McKaig said he supports the members of IUSA in the "Vote Hard" initiative.\n"(IUSA officers) have a right to use their money in the way they choose, and we support them in this choice," he said.\nIUSA has come under a barrage of criticism in recent weeks -- from those who argue the $60,000 initiative is a misuse of funds to those who say the initiative excluded some students. Some students said the money should have been used for a program that benefits more students.\nGray said his critics have brought attention to the democratic process.\n"I would like to personally thank anyone who has criticized me," Gray said. "Now more people on the IU campus know that there's an election in November"