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Many first-time voters favor Obama

First-time voters at the Fergus Falls college say they feel fortunate the 2008 election is their first.

“It’s a pretty big one to start off,” said 18-year-old Alec Robertson, a student at Minnesota State Community and Technical College.

In the days and weeks leading to the election, the buzz around campus regarding the campaign has been hotter than ever, with signs, posters and fellow classmates reminding all students to take advantage of their right to vote.

First-time voters say there are a number of issues they’ll take into consideration when casting their vote. Robertson says he’ll be considering issues that affect him as a young person, such as college tuition and the message America will be sending to the world when the new president is elected, to name a few. For him, Obama’s the man.

Student Kenny Iverson agrees, but says he’s encouraging all young people to get out and vote — regardless of who they support.

When it comes to recognizing the importance each person’s vote, Iverson says he feels each and every one can collectively make a difference.

“It’s getting your own personal opinion out there,” he said.

To make things easier for MSCTC students, the campus student senate group has been in classrooms, registering voters, and providing information on polling locations and candidates.

The student senate has also gone as far as organizing registration forms for individuals living in campus housing.

Because students typically do not receive mail at their student housing address, many were concerned they wouldn’t be allowed to take part in their first election. That inspired members of the student senate to work with Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to create a form that would legally allow those students to register — something offered on only a few campuses around the state.

“We may be progressive when it comes to two year colleges,” said student life director Heather Thormodson.

For those students who have yet to register, members of student senate are getting the word out that, up until the polls close, it’s not too late.

“We’re not focusing on endorsing a candidate, we’re saying go vote and do what you need to do to be informed,” Thormodson said.