With the opening of a new Lansing office, Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign now has a physical foothold a stone’s throw from one of the largest universities in Michigan.
The office, which opened Feb. 17, will allow Sanders’ campaign volunteers in the area a space to strategize, work and store and distribute resources.
“Having this space helps tremendously,” Kerry Collison, grassroots lead organizer and founder of Michigan for Bernie Sanders and Lansing for Sanders, said. “Since June we’ve mostly met in restaurants, and it’s nice to have a space where we can actually hear each other.”
The new space will allow MSU student supporters of Sanders to further their involvement in the campaign.
“We are planning on getting students out to this location to help with phone banks and canvassing,” Collison said. “We will have a specific space for students in the office.”
Collison said the passion for Sanders’ message expressed by MSU students has continually surprised and impressed her.
“It was pretty quiet over the summer with school out, but once school resumed MSU kicked off immediately,” Collison said. “I am astounded at how Students for Sanders has been able to keep people engaged.”
Student involvement in the Sanders campaign has already resulted in 3,000 newly registered voters, Amanda Dolinski, MSU Students for Bernie Sanders club advisor and Fisheries and Wildlife doctoral student, said.
The club has also signed up numerous students for absentee ballots, since the March 8 Michigan democratic primary falls during MSU’s spring break. The deadline to receive an absentee ballot for the Michigan democratic primary is Feb. 27.
“Millennials are very integrative and Bernie brings people together to get things done, that resonates with students,” Dolinski said.
The office’s opening also drew students who are new to politics.
“I’m not very involved in political organizations, this is my first time coming to volunteer with one,” interdisciplinary studies in social science senior Jessica Deuel said. “I can’t donate money, so I’ll donate my time.”
Deuel said Sanders' policies regarding college tuition appealed to her most.
“I had to go into the military to pay for college,” Deuel said. ”I’m glad I joined the army, but I think college should be free for everyone.”
The office is located at 2722 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 101 in Lansing.
Students interested in volunteering at the new office should contact office manager Steve Monti by phone at 314-596-7169.
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