News

Dean encourages students to vote

Dean of Students Lori Berquam urged University of Wisconsin students Monday to “learn about the candidates, register and vote” in the general election Nov. 4.

The e-mail, sent to UW students, emphasized it is not too late for students to register, whether at the clerk’s office in the next few weeks or at the polls on Election Day.

Officials briefly addressed rumors about registering as a voter in Madison if a student is not a permanent resident.

According to UW spokesperson John Lucas, the rumors are believed to have originated in Virginia, where hazy election laws have confused students and officials alike.

A news release distributed to Virginia Tech students stated by registering with their campus address, students were essentially changing their permanent address. This would affect scholarship eligibility, among other things.

In Wisconsin, laws about voting are clearer, and this is not an issue for students. Vice Provost Aaron Brower noted rumors concerning students’ scholarships or financial aid tend to crop up at every election.

“We wanted to make sure we were dispelling those myths,” Brower said.

The e-mail is a part of a larger campaign by the university to get students to the polls.

“We want people to be aware so no one is disappointed come Election Day,” Lucas said. “Students can go and make this process as easy as possible.”

Provost Patrick Farrell encouraged faculty and staff members to participate in urging students to vote.

The e-mail asked UW faculty to “take a minute during class or during your interactions with students to remind them of the importance of voting.” However, they were reminded this interaction should be nonpartisan.

“Students have more luxury to talk about their own positions than faculty and staff do,” Brower said. “Even inadvertently, we don’t want to assume anything. It’s easy for students to … read into situations in ways that are unfair to them.”

Lucas said that the university will also be reminding students via e-mail on Election Day to vote.

Brower encourages students to leave ample time to go through with the voting process due to the possibility of long lines as a result of increased interest in the presidential election.

Lucas agreed, noting that students have the option of early voting.

“I wouldn’t count on a super quick in-and-out process,” he said. “You can register now with the clerk and request a ballot and be totally done with it.”

UW junior Evan Hurley, coordinator for the Wisconsin Student Public Interest Research Group, said he is pleased with UW’s efforts.

“We really appreciate all of the work they have done,” he said. “A lot of things have been happening in the past eight years that are really impacting students. The election will allow students to see that they really have an influence on the factors that matter to them. Hopefully, we can make the student voice be heard in the coming elections.”