By Stephanie Holz, Staff Writer
On Sept. 17, students and staff all over campus kicked off Constitution Week with pride and patriotism while they passed in front of the cafeteria.
Two ambassadors from the Pasco County Supervisor of Election’s Office hosted an event, sponsored by Dr. Heather Parker and Mr. Francis Orlando, in which students and staff were encouraged to register to vote on the spot.
People must register to vote by midnight of Oct. 6 or have sent in a registration form postmarked by then in order to vote in the election. Voting is only permitted in the state of residence and prior to voting, and any change of address must be reported. Voters can report a change of address at the polls on the day they vote thanks to a new digital system. Registration is a once in a lifetime activity. Once you have registered to vote, you don’t have to register again unless you relocate to a different state.
“Our out of state students are encouraged to request an absentee ballot so that they can vote in their place of residence,” said Amanda Wright, Academic Coordinator for Social Sciences.
“The only way your opinion matters is if you vote. This is the only way that you can be heard and make any kind of difference,” said Dr. Heather Parker, Department Chair of Social Science.
In case you missed it, a table will be set up in front of the cafeteria for every Wednesday between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for students to sign up to vote for the next four weeks.
Another table was set up to test students’ knowledge of the constitution, as well as reward their efforts with free ice cream and apple pie. A large banner was presented for students and staff to sign and free booklets about the constitution were distributed to spread patriotism on campus.
“A voteless people is a hopeless people, so please go out and speak your mind and spread your word. If you want a change, then make the change,” said Edson O’Neale, Assistant Director of Student Activities.
Visit pascovotes.com for more information on voting locations, to request an absentee ballot, to change your registered party, or to change your listed address.
