In recent days, the Young Republicans Club, Young Democrats Club and Young Independents Club provided students with an opportunity to shape their futures with a voter registration drive for the upcoming presidential election. “We want every student to register to vote because that’s the bare minimum of participating in a democracy,” said Mr. Chuck Yarborough, sponsor of the Young Democrats club.

        The MSMS political clubs are opening up this invitation to MUW students also, seeing that the more people that they can get involved the better. Due to the tenuous situation of many MSMS and MUW students’ schedules, it may be impossible for some students to attend the polls in person. To alleviate this, the registration drive also gives students the option to register for an absentee ballot. The absentee ballot can be used by those who will not be able to attend the poles in person but still wish to vote remotely.

        If an MSMS student does not know who they want to vote for or is simply interested in the election in general, the Young Democrats Club has an option to quell curiosity with the national debate watch party occurring on September 26. “This Monday’s viewing party is for the first official presidential debate of the year. There will be questions on various topics related to the candidate’s plans as President. Clinton and Trump will get to respond to each question and to each other, which I think allows for a better (and often more heated/funny) discussion,” Wrishija Roy, vice president of Young Democrats states.

The purpose of the watch party is meant to be an open place for students to express their political opinions and learn more about the opinions of those around them.

     If a student is interested in attending the watch party but are wary of any heated discussion within the crowd, they have nothing to worry about according to Yarborough. “People need to listen in order to learn. I would encourage students to listen not only to the candidates, but to one another and then express their reasoned opinions,” he said, adding “Treat others like you want to be treated.”