It's finally here -- Election Day 2008. The buildup we have seen to Nov. 4 is the strongest I can remember for a presidential election. I'm not sure whether it's because I'm older, Virginia is a contested state, the economy isn't doing so great, or maybe the introduction of a new race and gender to the presidential race.
But I would like to think it's because the men and women of my generation are finally getting involved. The people around me -- not my parents or older adults but my college friends -- are excited and opinionated about the future of our country.
This year I have seen tons of college students participating in the pre-election hype. They are out registering others to vote, and I have overheard countless conversations about absentee ballots. Not only that, but they are actively involved in the issues and up to date on the current events of the campaigns.
Students have added SNL skits about Sarah Palin to the list of their weekly television shows. Granted, I'm sure college students are the only ones playing "Sarah Palin Bingo" or participating in drinking games during the debates, but the point is they are giving up a night of their busy week to watch them.
The competition has really brought out a sense of pride among students, too, not all that different from the allegiance to a sports team or college affiliation. As Election Day nears it has intensified. Walking through apartment complexes it's easy to spot political signs hanging in windows or prominently displayed on front doors.
The alliances are dividing people, too. In a way, it reminds me of our everyday rivalries, as when Virginia Tech students painted the bridge at UVa. My roommate's Obama bumper sticker on her car has been covered twice with a McCain one by an unknown culprit. I know friends who play tricks on each other by filling a Democrat's room with McCain signs, or vice versa. Maybe we aren't quite as mature as older voters, but I think it definitely shows we are right in the spirit of things.
There were a surprising number of college participants at the rallies in the area too. I read countless away messages of people driving up to Roanoke to hear Obama speak, and again when Sarah Palin came to Salem. It's pretty exciting that the race in our own state is so close, and that the candidates have campaigned here so much, and it really made me proud to see students taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them.
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Again, not voting and not caring are two entirely different things. One DOES NOT IMPLY THE OTHER!
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