It should come as no surprise that UW students produced such a high voter turnout in this year’s election. Madison has historically been a spearhead of political activism and energy, and was a leader in the Vietnam War protests. Since the start of the new semester, volunteers have been signing unregistered voters up to vote on State Street, representatives from Rock the Vote rallied young voters in mid-October, and President Obama held two rallies in Madison this election season, the second of which Bruce Springsteen performed for eager crowds.
The University proactively notified students of polling locations, early voting times, and registration requirements. Stations were strategically placed within 50 yards of any student residential area on campus, making it very convenient for students to vote.
Eva Baldinger, a Her Campus supporter, talks about voting in an election for the first time. “As a first-time voter, voting made me feel the extent to which every American vote counts, especially by voting in a swing state.”
Alana Telfer, another first-time voter, discusses what her vote meant to her both as a new voter and a woman. “As women, we have earned the right to vote. To utilize that right is empowering.” We at Her Campus definitely agree, Alana!
Share with us your Election Day stories, photos, voting line times (our longest line we’ve heard yet was two hours and fifteen minutes…in the rain), or opinions about being a part of this years election.