The UTD Mercury

Political organizations at UTD promote activism on campus and in the community each year, but anticipate more opportunities to educate voters and promote political involvement in the run-up to the heavily contested 2008 elections.

According to The Washington Post, in 2004, college-age (18-24) voters turned out in the highest percentage since 1992, and in the third-highest percentage in the nine presidential elections since a constitutional amendment in 1971 lowered the voting age to 18. The overall electorate showed a four-percentage-point increase in turnout from 2000, but the turnout rate among young voters increased by 11 points, from 36 to 47 percent.

Presidential candidates have MySpace profiles, answer questions asked via YouTube and address issues like network neutrality. These overtures acknowledge the importance of the tech-savvy youth vote. College political organizations are the politically active student's conduit to involvement as a voter, activist, or even as a future candidate.

College Republicans at UTD

Officially formed in 2004, College Republicans at UTD are "mainly focused on spreading conservative ideals" said Melissa Ridenour, chairman of College Republicans at UTD.

"We believe a small government is better. I personally focus on conservative social issues like pro-life activism and traditional marriage, while our membership coordinator Eraj Akhtar is more focused on fiscal conservatism," Ridenour said.

"We offer a place to get connected with other conservatives and act as a stepping stone for future involvement in the GOP after college," Ridenour said. "We actively volunteer for local GOP candidates and act as an information resource for voters."

Ridenour said the first meeting will focus on the large slate of Republican presidential candidates and their platforms. Meetings frequently include speakers involved in the Texas Republican party and educate students about the transition between campus political organizations to involvement in community politics. College Republicans will distribute fact sheets before primary elections to educate voters and to promote participation in the primary process.

College Republicans at UTD will meet every other Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Phoenix Room beginning Aug. 28. College Republicans at UTD is affiliated with the Texas Federation of College Republicans and the College Republicans National Committee (CRNC).

Email collegerepublicansatUTD@gmail.com or see www.utdallas.edu/~plp021000/ for more information about the College Republicans at UTD.

University Democrats at UTD

The mission of the University Democrats at UTD, as described in its constitution, is to support and promote the ideals of the Texas Democratic party, to foster interest and involvement in the political arena and to promote justice and social welfare in the county, state and nation.

President Andrea Bell said University Democrats send members to the State Democratic Convention in Austin each year. The group will host a fall back-to-school social. Each semester they host a progressive movie night and discussion featuring a topical movie such as "An Inconvenient Truth".

"We have a fall voter drive each year. We try to cosponsor with College Republicans and other political organizations. It's completely bipartisan because we believe everyone should vote, regardless of who they vote for," Bell said.

Bell said University Democrats at UTD are best known the Valentine's Day event 'Condoms & Kisses,' intended to raise awareness about contraceptive methods and STD prevention, and for an annual fundraising concert on campus.

University Democrats at UTD is affiliated with the Young Democrats of America and will meet each Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Galaxy Rooms. The group's first meeting will be Aug. 28.

"Everyone is welcome," Bell said. "You don't have to be a Democrat. We're interested in hearing from all different sorts of people."

For more information, email Andrea Bell alb037000@utdallas.edu or go to www.universitydemocrats.org.

Campus Libertarians

Campus Libertarians is not a registered group at UTD this year, but former president Brent Friedman said he'd gladly serve as president if students are interested in reinstating the organization.

Friedman said in the past the group focused on outreach, administered political quizzes and talked to people about the Libertarian Party. He said he expects the 2008 elections will increase interest in reinstating Campus Libertarians as an active student organization. The group had between 15 and 20 active members and 60-70 on their Facebook group.

"Libertarianism is the idea that you own yourself. The government shouldn't take a lot of money from you and should not tell you how to live your life. We believe in living your life your way and not imposing your beliefs on others," Friedman said.

Students interested in reviving Campus Libertarians at UTD can email bsf062000@utdallas.edu or go to www.utdlibertarians.com.

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