In the hopes of fighting an era of partisanship in government, Ball State's College Republicans and University Democrats are working together this school year.
Both clubs hope to increase political awareness by giving students information about candidates. Voter registration drives will take place in the Atrium until October, which is when registration ends in Indiana. Because polling places are off campus, shuttle buses most likely will take students to vote.
"No matter if you're a Democrat or Republican, or even if you have no idea about the two parties, we'd really like to encourage students to get educated and involved," said Drew Farrington, president of University Democracts and Kayleigh Mohler, College Republicans chair, agreed.
"We don't care who you're voting for, as long as you make an informed decision," she said.
While the clubs may not agree on which presidential candidate will be the best for the country, both club presidents stressed the significance of the election.
"It's not just a choice between two people," Farrington said. "It's really a choice of two very different directions for our country. Students need to realize it does affect them."
College Republicans Treasurer John Huston listed many reasons students should get involved.
"The importance of becoming involved in politics is staring all of us right in the face," the junior political science and economics major said. "Mounting unemployment among recent college graduates coupled with massive student loans will affect all of us upon graduation."
Mohler said the polling places have changed, which could hurt voter turnout among students. She said she would like to see shuttle buses taking students from campus to their respective polling areas.
"Students are apathetic to begin with, and you have to make it easier," she said. "It's tragic to think about 20,000 students not having a say because maps are changing."
This is the first time a lot of students have voted in a presidential race, Mohler said.
"It's not just the freshman who are learning about this kind of stuff; it's a lot of older students because they've never really done this before," the senior political science and economics major said.
Among the bipartisan activities that the clubs have initiated, they have speakers and trips planned separately as well.
The University Democrats will attend The College Democrats of America Convention in Charlotte, N.C., in conjunction with the Democratic National Convention.
The College Republicans are headed to Ohio to help with Romney's campaign to try to push the swing state to turn red.
Together, the clubs are organizing a debate with 6th congressional district candidates Democrat Brad Bookout and Republican Luke Messer.
The debate is planned for 7 p.m. Oct. 2 in Pruis Hall. The clubs' goal is to increase awareness about the candidates who will make decisions that affect Ball State students.
"They should know who they're voting for, not just going in there and selecting the names," said Farrington, a telecommunications sales and promotion major.
Steve Walsh is the director of campus affairs for the Ball State Democrats. He encouraged everyone to get involved.
"If you vote or not, people are making decisions on your behalf," the senior public relations and political science major said. "Not everyone has the time to be able to be involved, but it's about being an informed citizen."
Richard Mourdock will be at the College Republicans meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Art and Journalism Building Room 289.
The University Democrats will have its next meeting at 8 p.m. Sept. 9 in Bracken Library Room 201.
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