This year’s presidential debates have sparked up various amounts of opinions from people of all sorts. The university’s Honors and Communication Department have organized a Pre-election Town Hall Debate to encourage voting and knowledge of the election.
On Nov. 7, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Student Union Ballroom A, the Honors and Communication Department are sponsoring a pre-election debate on the Monday before the Election Day for students.
Dr. Claire Procopio, associate professor of communication, described the event and the purpose it will serve.
“Honor students will launch the event with a get out and vote speech followed by two initial speakers in favor of each of the presidential candidates,” said Procopio. “After their initial opening remarks, two lines will form on either side of the room in front of microphones. Audience members will be able to line up and speak in favor of their candidate. The event will conclude with a straw poll and call to go vote. The purpose of the event is to spark student interest in the 2016 Presidential Election and to give our students an opportunity to engage in public speaking and civic expression.”
Dr. Amber Narro, associate professor of communication, mentioned what type of students the event is meant to attract.
“Hopefully, we attract communication majors, honors students and students from political science programs,” said Narro.
Narro also shared what is done to help put together an event that allows students to voice their opinions in favor of their presidential candidate.
“We voice our opinions through our votes,” said Narro. “We’re basically organizing an event that allows students to see how other students feel about the election.”
The activities that are in this event include listening to student speakers, participating in the open mic and the audience straw poll.
Procopio shared her expectations on what students should get out of the event.
“Students should have the opportunity to practice their public speaking skills, to model civil civic engagement and to have a voice in the outcome of election 2016,” said Procopio.
Procopio gave insight on why she wants students to attend the event.
“Students should attend the event from a desire to participate as citizens in the democratic process,” said Procopio. “No doubt, however, some will be motivated by assignments from professors asking them to attend and reflect on what the experience has taught them about campaigns, elections and civic engagement.”
Procopio anticipates that approximately 100 to 150 students will attend the event. She believes that voting is always important.
“We sometimes get busy with our lives and mistakenly look at voting as a chore, but the right to vote is a gift,” said Procopio. “Many people living under oppressive dictators and totalitarian systems fight, literally fight wars, for the opportunity to have a say in who leads their nation. We should view voting as a sacred trust and a right of citizenship that we don’t squander.”