Tomorrow is the day when students debate, learn about candidates, the different political parties, and enjoy free food and entertainment throughout the day.  Vote Jam 2008 is finally here!

Tomorrow, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. in the Kehr Union Ballroom, the fifth Vote Jam event will take place. This debate rally, organized by the students in Dr. Mendoza’s Mass Communications Seminar class, and co-sponsored by Democracy Matters takes place every election year.  The students have been organizing the event from the beginning of the school year, and are looking forward to the culmination of their planning.

At noon, five faculty members will be given mohawks during Vote Jam in the Ballroom.  Why are they doing this?  It all came about when several professors challenged the campus Democratic campaign to register 1,000 voters before the October 6th deadline.  Over 1,000 students were registered.  Mohawk the vote!  It’s a hair raising experience!

At 3 p.m. there will be a spotlight debate between the University Democrats and the College Republicans.

At 5 p.m. the keynote speaker from The New York Times will discuss the youth vote.  Local candidates and representatives will also be at Vote Jam throughout the day.

Any student, faculty member or other campus organization is welcome to speak at the rally.  According to Dr. Mendoza, the debate is open to anyone who would like to discuss a political topic, as long as that topic is not specifically negative, or directly attacking an individual.

Come out to Vote Jam tomorrow, and find out how the political parties stand on specific topics that are important to you, such as tuition costs, health care, taxes, and the environment.  Even if you don’t plan on voting, becoming informed about these topics is important.  Stop by the Ballroom in between classes, watch faculty members shave their heads, listen to the debates, enjoy free refreshments, hear some music and have some fun.  Vote smart.