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Today, Virginia will hold state and local elections. It is essential for all students to turn out to vote, especially because Virginia Tech is a state university. In every session, the Virginia General Assembly makes decisions on tuition rates, funding for academic and athletic programs, and funding for university research.
High student turnout will send a message to elected officials that our demographic is engaged in public issues and will hold them accountable for the decisions they make regarding our education, job opportunities and overall quality of life. Participation in county and town elections is equally important because the local government passes ordinances related to housing, public safety and transportation on campus and around the town.
In addition, students who plan on raising a family in Montgomery County after graduation must vote to ensure the county supervisors and school board keep Montgomery County Public schools some of the best in the state. Elections on the ballot include Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates; Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, School Board, Sheriff, Treasurer, Commonwealth’s Attorney and Commissioner of Revenue — as well as three at-large seats on the Blacksburg Town Council.
Due to redistricting following the 2010 census, your polling place and supervisor districts may have changed. Most Tech students who live on campus now vote in a brand new precinct, E-3 at the Virginia Tech Airport, 1601 Tech Center Drive. This is a change from last time. Other students living off campus may be affected by the change too. If you aren’t absolutely sure where you are supposed to vote, go to the Virginia State Board of Elections website and click on “Where do I vote in Virginia?” Or, call the registrar’s office during the day at (540) 381-5741. Again, take ownership of your university and your town. Remember to vote today, Nov. 8.
John Bardo
envriromental policy & planning
A version of this article appeared in the Nov 8 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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NO JOKE REALLY? VOTING IMPORTANT TO ELECTION? STOP THE PRESSES GUYS! WE HAVE BREAKING NEWS!
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Despite the fact that this is an obvious statement, college students (who typically have very strong views on politics) are often difficult to get to the polls. Every reminder helps.
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YEAH BRAH IT'S NOT LIKE COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE THE DEMOGRAPHIC LEAST LIKELY TO VOTE IN AN ELECTION OR ANYTHING LOL HIGH FIVES
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