By Katie Hudson-Martinez/feature editor
Texans will have their opportunity to participate in the shaping of the nation’s future when the primaries come to town.
The March 4 elections will help decide the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees for the November election and also state representatives to the House and Senate as well as the Texas Supreme Court.
Historically, the group least likely to vote is young people, but in the Iowa caucus last month the number of young voters had tripled from 2004 and was equal to the number of senior citizen voters.
Experts believe the high turnout of young voters in 2008 could benefit Obama and Giuiliani and could make or break any candidate’s bid.
Texas law requires a person be registered to vote no later than 30 days prior to the election in order to participate.
With the cut-off for registration Feb. 4, all TCC campuses are sponsoring programs to encourage students to register to vote and participate in the primaries.
Hamed Madani, SE Campus professor of political science, is teaching a government course this semester that focuses on the primary process.
Madani said the Texas primary elections could become significant in determining presidential nominees if current trends continue.
“If there is no decisive front-runner after Super Tuesday, Texas’ vote would become very significant,” he said. “The outcome truly depends on voter turnout.”
SE Campus is hosting a Feb. 4 event that is sponsored by the League of Women Voters in Arlington so students and community can register to vote, try out voting machines and participate in a straw poll.
The event is 9 a.m.-7 p.m. in the North Ballroom and is open to the entire community.
The campus is also planning a Super Tuesday event at 7 p.m. where students and faculty can watch results come in and listen to commentary from Dr. Alan Saxe, professor of political science. Popcorn and refreshments will be provided.
NW Campus has a new student organization called Students of Politics and Law that plans to host a voter registration drive before Feb. 4.
Julie Lantrip, associate professor of humanities on NW Campus and the organization’s adviser, is excited about the students’ participation in getting out the vote.
“We won’t be able to register people at the event, but we will be giving out the forms and talking to people about voting before the cut-off date,” she said.
On South Campus, the African-American Male Enrichment Network will have a voter registration booth set up at the campus Club Fest Jan. 24.
Zeb Strong, student activities director on South Campus, said a few different student groups are working to get people registered to vote.
“We are seeing students really make a concerted effort to encourage their peers to vote,” he said. “They will be making available voter registration forms throughout the spring semester.”
Student Political Awareness Club on NE Campus is talking with The League of Women Voters and planning a voter registration event to be held before the Feb. 4 cut-off date.
For more up-to-date information on NE Campus, stop by student activities in NSTU 1704B.
Additionally, students can register to vote in a number of places both online and in person.
The Rock the Vote Web site and the Texas Secretary of State Web site at www.sos.state.tx.us/elections offers voter registration and candidate information.
Voter registration forms are also available at most post offices, libraries and high schools throughout Texas.
Completed applications should be mailed or delivered to Tarrant County’s Elections Administrator’s office, 2700 Premier St., Fort Worth, TX 76111.
Those who want to find polling locations should visit www.TarrantCounty.com/elections, where visitors can find out where to vote, download voter registration forms and view local polling and election results.
Important dates for March 4 Texas Primary
Last day to register-Feb. 4
Early voting-Feb. 19-29
Application for ballot by mail-through Feb. 26
