Maine Students and the State Elections: Who's doing what?

ORONO- In less than two weeks, citizens across the state of Maine will head to the polls to cast their votes. At the University of Maine, there is a wide spectrum of student involvement in this years election from student groups facilitating political talks, to actually running for legislature.

Zachary Jackman, a senior at the University, is running as a Republican against Rep. Emily Cain for Orono’s District 19 seat in the House of Representatives. Jackman feels as though there is an overall lack of student involvement with the state elections and is concerned that this will reflect in the turnouts on election day.

UMaine UVote, an organization on campus, realizes this problem, and works hard to increase student involvement on campus. This group hosts events such as the Rock the Vote concert, and public forums to inform young voters in particular, and to get them interested in elections.

Nathan Wildes, Student Coordinator of UVote, plays a large role in making sure students have the opportunity to become active citizens. "Most recently, we organized the debate between Rep. Emily Cain and Zach Jackman for the District 19 House seat. We also organize and promote Election Day every year, which includes an 'Early Vote Day.'"

Ben Goodman, president of the College Democrats, clarifies the role that both UMaine UVote and the College Democrats play in promoting involvement in the election to students on campus.

The College Democrats focus on organizing students to hold events and forums that educate fellow students and help Democrats win elections. This year, they are proudly supporting Democrat Sen. Libby Mitchell in the Gubernatorial race by tabling around the University of Maine, and recruiting volunteers to help local efforts supporting Democrats up and down the ballot. "We have worked to educate students on the clear differences between Senator Mitchell and Mayor LePage, and will continue to do so through November 2nd," explains Goodman.

Supporting Sen. Mitchell’s political opposition are the UMaine College Republicans who find commonality in their passion of promoting conservative values. Members of the College Republicans have been volunteering for the campaigns of Mayor Paul LePage and Jason Levesque by phone banking and literature dropping. Vice Chair, Joseph Grace, shares great optimism of the engagement of the College Republican members.

With little time left, organizations like UMaine UVote will be working hard to spread the enthusiasm across campus shown by these politically active groups and individuals to those without desire to participate in the 2010 state elections.

Lookup more information pertaining the 2010 Maine State Elections, and how to become involved here!