By Shay Myrthil /Daytona Times
(Source Daytona Times):
Organizations nationwide hosted events on Tuesday, Sept. 19 to spread awareness about voting and to help eligible voters get registered for upcoming elections. Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day.
With the help of a voter registration day grant, Bethune-Cookman University was able to hold its own event hosted by the school’s archivist, Dr. Clarissa West-White. Students lined up to receive voter registration cards, T-shirts and some refreshments.
“Voting is the place to start when you want to get your voice heard and get the changes you want to see in your community,’’ said West-White.
Students had plenty to say about voting and why it was important to them.
Sarah Rucker, a junior elementary education major at B-CU said, “Voting allows us to have our own opinions be heard, which we should take advantage of. A lot of leaders today don’t set the right standards, which creates a negative viewpoint on this country.
Doing our part and voting can make a change.”
Elishah Sellers, a B-CU sophomore majoring in computer science, noted “Electing the right leaders to lead the country and people is important because we need people who make correct, effective and efficient decisions for our future.’’
On the contrary, there are students who don’t believe voting will make a difference. Said one freshman as he walked by the event : “What’s the point of voting?”
The event was deemed a success as about 100 students registered to vote.
Arianna Sinclair, a junior majoring in health and exercise science, added, “Voting is important because HBCUs don’t get enough recognition. Putting ourselves out there and voting can help us feel represented.’’
Shay Myrthil, a Daytona Times intern, is a senior mass communication major at Bethune-Cookman University.
