The Black Students' Union at the University of Rochester and the Mu Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. are hosting a series of events as part of a voter awareness and registration initiative titled “Raise Your Voice! A Voteless People is a Hopeless People.”
The two organizations are conducting a daily voter registration drive in Wilson Commons on the River Campus from noon to 2 p.m. through Friday, Oct. 13. At 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, members of BSU will be at the Rochester Public Market for two hours to sign up those interested in voting in the 2006 elections.
A forum on current national issues will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, in 321 Morey Hall on the River Campus to discuss the war on terrorism, homeland security, immigration, gay marriage, and the role of faith in government. Students will have the opportunity to share their opinions and learn about the different political platforms of each party.
A student debate between representatives from the University of Rochester's College Democrats and the Rochester Institute of Technology's College Republicans will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in 321 Morey Hall.
The last event, a panel that will explore the journey into politics and discuss the importance of young people's involvement, will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, in the Hawkins Carlson Room in the Rush Rhees Library on the River Campus. The panelists, numerous young elected officials from Rochester, include City Councilman Adam McFadden, Democratic City Court Judge candidate Maija Dixon, County Legislator Carrie Andrews, and Rochester City School Board vice president Malik Evans, a 2002 graduate of the University.
The events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Marquis Harrison at (585) 274-0253.