Moorpark College students got a little taste of California politics on Civics Day. Booths were set up to encourage students to participate in November’s upcoming election.
Students were able to stroll down Raider Walk Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and talk to election-office officials, party members and candidates.
Voting registers aided students in filling out registration forms quickly, enabling them to be on their way.
Representatives from both parties regarded the event as a success after so many students showed interest in registering.
Lindsay Kaye, a representative from Moorpark College for the Republican Party, explained the need for such an event at a community college.
“People can ask questions directly so it helps students get a better picture of who to vote for,” said Kaye. “It encourages college students, who for the most part are the worst about voting, to get out there and gain their voice.”
Candidates for the Ventura County Community College Board were also in attendance, with booths on either side of Raider Walk.
Dan Peate, one of the candidates for Board trustee, found Civics Day to be important in his relationship with the students.
“I want them to know me and talk to me,” said Peate. “They’re the reason I’m running. I put them first and I want them to know that.”
Diane McKay, Peate’s opposition in the run for trustee, expressed her own connection with community college students and universities alike.
“I took classes at a community college and my daughter transferred from one. I feel like I can relate to this whole thing,” said McKay. “It’s hard to know who to vote for, and I hope that this helps with us being here.”
Students like Colette Hapip, an 18-year-old with an undecided major, expressed their gratitude in being able to attain more information regarding the elections.
“I think Civics Day is a great thing,” said Hapip. “I wouldn’t even know who to vote for or even that there was an election going on without being here.”
Other students like Patrick Stover, a 25-year-old sociology major, found the election office’s booth to be very useful.
“It makes it a lot easier to know how to register and vote,” Stover said. “It’s cool to have to candidates here but I’ve already made up my mind.”
Tim Allison, the democratic candidate for Congress, also attended the event.
Allison explained his desire to connect with college students.
“I’m passionately concerned with a student’s future,” said Allison. “We have a great responsibility to help students get involved. It’s time we looked at our future leaders and had them be a part of all of this.”
