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Twenty tables draped in blue crowded the area outside the Performing Arts Center, with a small stage and microphone at the center. From the outskirts of the expo, chants of “What does democracy look like? This is what democracy looks like,” led by Student Trustee Donna Valle drifted across the quad from the Associated Students tent.

In an effort to educate students on the importance of voting and the choices and issues faced in this election, representatives from across the political spectrum were invited to answer questions at the booths around the quad.

The Obama and McCain campaigns, state and local politicians, both sides to the Prop 8 debate, the Republican party, the Democratic party, the Libertarian party, and a few of the college’s more politically active clubs were all in attendance.

Professor of political science and co-chair of the Year of Democracy Lee Ballestero says she is WAS very satisfied with the day’s outcome.

“The goal of Constitution Day, as far as the political fair was concerned, was to expose people to various political parties,” Ballestero said. “I was happily surprised at people who were talking to people at tables.”

Ballestero has high hopes that Constitution Day’s success will be repeated in the coming years.

“I’d like to see about doing this every election year,” she said.

One of the day’s attractions was the open microphone for students to express their freedom of speech. Associated Students President Sara Yakhi began the forum with an overview of the event and a word about student voting.

“We have 2.6 million students here (in California) and it’s about time we flexed that power,” she said to the crowd.

Shortly after the microphone was opened, one student rushed the stage to shout, “Obama ’08, go Lakers!”

Another one later shouted simply, “Legalize pot!”

The AS also hosted a voter registration table under their tent and put on a raffle for students to win prizes.

Leo Belleville of Ventura County’s Elections Division said he registered more than 40 students to vote at the table.

“For two hours, that’s a great response,” he said. “We want students to register. Every vote matters, every vote counts.”

Belleville added that every Saturday, he and the Elections Division have a registration table at the Oaks Mall. The deadline to register to vote in this election is Oct. 20.

Another draw for students was the AS raffle, where psychology major Jake Hopkins, 20, won a $6 gift certificate to the food court. He said he learned more about the voting process and how to change his registration if he moves, in addition to winning the raffle.

“There’s no better way to gather students to learn about democracy than to attract them with free pizza and drinks, since we’re all struggling college students” Hopkins said.

Representing the Simi Valley and Moorpark Democratic Club, Brian Levy saw a good turnout of students interested in democracy.

“I’d do this every week if you ask me,” he said.

Levy encourages young people to become active in democracy.

“I think young people in society have a lot at stake,” he said. “We definitely want people to go out of their way for democracy.”

Tierney Burke representing Tony Strickland for State Senate also saw high student interest.

“People want to say that students are only voting for Obama,” she said. “We’ve seen today that students are supporting McCain and the Republican ticket for Ventura County.”

Hannah Davey, 18, stopped by the booths between classes to see what they had to offer, as well as to collect some Obama stickers.

“I am very excited about Constitution Day and very proud that people of different beliefs can get together peacefully and discuss current issues,” said Davey, a geography major.

Capping off the day, former White House counsel John Dean gave the keynote address. Dean is perhaps best known for his testimony against President Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal.

Speech Professor Stephen Doyle took time after the speech to meet Dean and get his book signed.

“[The speech] was well worth coming to campus for,” Doyle said. “I hope this is a premonition, if you will, for more to come with the Year of Democracy.”

Chalk drawing of Senator Obama at the Constitution Day Rally at Moorpark College.

Students gather at the Constitution Day Rally at Moorpark College on Wednesday, Sept. 17th.