Kirkwood Community College hosted a Voting 101 course on Oct. 1 to educate students, many of whom are eligible to vote for the first time this year, on the concepts and importance of voting.
The event was hosted by Assistant Professor of English Shawnacy Kiker-Perez and the Civic Academy Advisor and Professor of Sociology Finn Kolsrud. Both gave in-depth presentations informing attendees of how to register to vote and addressing common misinformation associated with voting.
Kolsrud said he strongly believes in the power of voting. “In the end, one of the biggest takeaways was that voting is not just something that people who are really into politics or political discussions do. If you are eligible to vote, voting is an important way to make your voice heard on the issues you care about.
“Of course, people have every right not to vote too, however, in discussing voting with students, there are a lot of people who want to vote, but have found the registration process intimidating,” he said. “We want students to know that registering to vote and voting isn’t that difficult and it can be a very rewarding experience,” he added.
Civic Academy, the club hosting the Voting 101 event, is a new club at Kirkwood.
Kolsrud said, “At the Voting 101 event, we mentioned that there is a new student club that will help with organizing some of the Civic Engagement Committee events related to voter education.
“In addition, members of the club will get an opportunity to be trained in dialogue moderation, so that they may moderate or facilitate dialogues on campus about pressing local and global issues.”
Those interested in joining can visit the club’s first official meeting on Friday, Oct. 4 from 1:25-2:25 p.m. on the second floor of Iowa Hall near Global Learning. Free pizza will be served.
Kirkwood offers information regarding voting registration at kirkwood.edu/explore/recreation/voting.
For Linn County residents, there is early voting available at the Rec Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 17.
Visit the Linn County Auditors office for more information on local voting laws and voter registration.
Voting FAQ
Do you have to be part of a political party to vote?
-According to Kolsrud, “The answer is no, in fact many individuals are unaffiliated with a political party.”
How do you get registered to vote and how do you vote?
-Kolsrud said he recommends visiting the Kirkwood Votes webpage:
kirkwood.edu/explore/recreation/voting.
Categories: Art & Life
