Elections 101

So the Bloomington political pandemonium begins.

Either you’ve been through this before (thinking “That’s so 2008!”) or it is your first time. If it is your first time, student organizations are sure to pull you in different directions, asking you to support “X” candidate for “X” party.

It’s going to be a polarizing experience like no other. But before volunteers harass you with calls or campaign literature, here is the “How-To” before Election Day.  

REGISTER TO VOTE (AGAIN)

There’s a big misconception about voter registration.

Sorry. You do not carry an indefinite voters’ pass once you’ve registered for an election. So your hands may have punched that red button in 2008, but unless you’ve lived in the same place these college years, then you have to register all over again.

According to Indiana law, a person is considered a resident once they’ve lived at the current address for at least 29 days. Therefore, your apartment, house or dorm is where Indiana places you under residency. It’s not the place you lived in 2008.

Campaign volunteers may be annoying when they ask you to register, but it’s because we want to make sure everyone has the same opportunity as those who call Bloomington their long-term residence.

We are students, but we also live in Bloomington. Our vote carries the same weight as a life-long resident.

DON’T MISS THE DEADLINE

Similar to the residency requirement, registration forms are due 29 days before any general election. Once this time passes, there is zero chance to get your name on the voter list.  

This rule stumps voters time and time again. You might be fully qualified but unless you get the forms in on time, your opportunity is wasted.

Set your calendars. The last chance to register is Oct. 4. Get the forms in. Find campaign volunteers or contact either IU College Republicans or IU College Democrats for registration forms. In the time it took to explain why there’s no time to register, you could have already done it. It’s a two-minute process. I’m sure professors won’t mind tardiness if it’s for a good cause.

GET LOCAL

Some (conservative) Bloomington community leaders (Judith Smith-Ille, Jim Fielder, Les Compton) claim student involvement negatively affects the Republican base. It’s why they’re eliminating early voting opportunities in the Union. In their opinion, the more obstacles in our way, the less chance we’ll mess up community (and Mitch Daniels’) agenda.

Students need to prove Bloomington wrong.

Among the controversial issues, the city faces a multi-million dollar referendum that could negatively affect the local school districts. Gov. Mitch Daniels forced budget cuts in early 2010 to public schools statewide, causing the school corporation to layoff teachers and slash crucial after school programs.

The Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) is asking all residents to pledge their support for a referendum, which will counter the budget cuts. Taxes will rise in Bloomington, but community leaders believe their motto “Vote Yes on #2: Our Students Need You!” could tip the scale in their favor. Jobs and arts programs will be saved if students throw their “yes” vote.

We can show the community this city is more than just our party playground.
Let’s tell Bloomington we can make a difference in this election: on a national and local scale.

E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu