Pointlife
Off-campus voters find voting process simplified
The Pointer
bhaig870@uwsp.edu
In what may be the highest percentage of voter turnout in a United States election ever, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point off-campus students found it an easy process to cast their vote at district polling stations around town.
“It was really easy; I was in and out in ten minutes. It was my first time voting so I was really excited,” said UW-SP junior Jeena Leigh-Lucas Komarek. One of the major reasons students don’t vote is the frustration and long lines that often accompany large votes such as was the case this past Tuesday.
The lines at polling stations closer to campus are often much longer than those that are in more residential areas.
“Last time I voted at the fire station on campus it took about two hours; it’s a lot easier to vote off-campus,” said UW-SP senior Pat Woodbridge.
When asked what he thought would make the process go smoother, Woodbridge explained why voting is harder for off-campus students.
“I think they should have more people out there getting you registered because people are changing addresses a lot in a college town like this,” said Woodbridge.
For students that go home in the summer and live in Stevens Point during the school year, proof of address was needed and many students were sent home to obtain proof of residence. However, many students found their district’s polling location easily, attributing it to the many pamphlets and campaign material that provided their polling location.
On the subject of campaign material, student voters were relieved that the bombardment will stop after the election.
“It’s really annoying to get campaign material and see television ads all the time. Being a hardcore Obama fan, it was hard to see all the McCain propaganda everyday,” said UW-SP senior Melissa Wetli.
