As a crucial election for the Michigan governor approaches, Ferris students have the chance to register to vote at the north quad.
From 10 a.m.-6 p.m., there will be a pavilion set up next to the Woodbridge Ferris Statue where students can register to vote.
The College Democrats, Student Government and the Political Engagement Project have teamed up to sponsor the event.
The three groups working on the event want to ensure that all students are properly registered to vote and know where to go to cast their ballot.
Justin Jackson, president of the College Democrats, believes the easiest option is for students to register to vote in Big Rapids.
“We want to encourage students to register locally, rather than driving all the way home to vote,” Jackson said.
Students registered to vote in their hometown may also cast an absentee ballot. If students are unsure on their voter registration status, they will be able to find out that information at the tent.
There will also be a booth set up in the IRC connector next to Starbucks from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every weekday until the Oct. 4 deadline.
The candidates for this year’s governor race include the frontrunners Rick Snyder (R), a venture capitalist from Ann Arbor, and Virgil Bernero (D), the mayor of Lansing. Other important elected positions, such as secretary of state, Michigan supreme court justice and all 15 of Michigan’s state representatives, will be on the ballot.
According to Jackson, this year’s election is a great opportunity for voters to make an impact.
Among the issues Michigan voters are concerned about, one of the biggest issues will be Michigan’s current economy.
“Both parties are promising significant change if elected,” Jackson said.
Oct. 4 will be the 30-day deadline to register if students want to vote for the governor of Michigan.
In addition to registering to vote, ladder ball and corn toss games will be set up on the quad. There may also be surprise giveaways throughout the course of the day.
Justin Jackson said that the goal for this year’s voter registration effort is 1,200 students, 200 more than the last event in 2008. n