With Michigan’s presidential primary election right around the corner, many political student organizations are preparing in a variety of ways.
Though the primary election will be on March 8 and during MSU’s spring break, these on-campus groups are now working to encourage students to vote and raise awareness about the primary election in addition to the candidates and their stances on a variety of issues.
Joey Vanderbosch, a social relations and policy senior and the communications director for Spartans for Hillary, suggested to get an absentee ballot for students who might not be around.
“It’s really important for students to get an absentee ballot from either their home state or home town,” Vanderbosch said. “Or if they’re registered in East Lansing to do that as soon as possible.”
Absentee ballots can be a viable alternative if students are going on a spring break vacation.
A student needs to complete a ballot and mail it in advance. They can print off an absentee ballot application at www.michigan.gov/SOS.
While members of the student groups are campaigning for student involvement in the election, many members have also expressed their excitement for March 8.
Economics junior Charlie Kolean, a member of the MSU College Republicans, said he is eagerly looking forward to the upcoming elections.
“I’m excited for the primary, I think it’s going to be a huge turnout,” Kolean said. “There’s a lot of excitement about it.”
MSU College Republicans have also hosted many past events in addition to upcoming ones. Kolean said organizing events is vital for voters.
“Our College Republicans chapter hosted presidential candidate John Kasich on campus,” Kolean said. “Huge turnout, we had about 400 people show up to that, so that was great.”
The group also plans to send some of its members to Detroit for the next Republican debate March 3.
It will be the last time the Republican candidates are able to get their messages across to Michigan residents before the primary election in Michigan.
On the other side of the spectrum, Students for Sanders-East Lansing and MSU Spartans for Hillary have planned multiple events for students to get involved.
Both groups have events coming up. Students for Sanders has a phone banking and general assembly meeting on March 1.
The MSU Spartans for Hillary group just had an event on Feb. 27.
Among the attendees was Sen. Debbie Stabenow. She talked about how important college students can be in an election year.
“The political process only works if we are engaged,” Stabenow said. “It really is true what they say about democracy not being a spectator sport. Everyone’s got to be paying attention and be involved if it’s going to work right.”
MSU Spartans for Hillary will also host another event March 1 at C2 Wilson Hall.
The members will be joined by former Michigan governor Jim Blanchard and Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum.
For students still unsure about voting, getting in contact with one of MSU’s political groups and going out to vote is a huge step.
