To encourage the Los Medanos College community to get involved in the upcoming election, Student Life hosted a National Voter Registration Day event in the Pittsburg campus outdoor quad on Sept 17.
On the same day as National Constitution Day, tables were set up where people could participate in activities to celebrate the event, like a trivia game with questions about the American constitution, as well as election history.
Student Adrian Ochoa participated in the trivia game and was asked about presidents, amendments and swing states.
Ochoa said that he was already registered to vote because it’s a way for him to use his voice and to “participate in this democracy.”
The League of Women Voters, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that informs people about the democratic process of voting, helped some students get registered to vote at their table.
Students Julio Gonzalez and Angel Adriano explained that the registration process was easy and straightforward, especially with the help from the organization’s volunteers.
Ana Pon, a volunteer for decades explained that the organization does not tell people who or what to vote for. Instead, their goal is to inform about the positions of those running in elections and also about the propositions.
Sr. Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Rosa Aramendariz said that the League of Women Voters has partnered with the college for a long time now.
She added that the organization often visits campus during election season to bring awareness to it and get students registered to vote.
Aramendariz said that events like this make a significant impact as they get more students registering to vote.
“We know they make a big difference especially if students have just recently turned 18, so it makes it accessible,” she said. “They can register on the spot and they get information if they have questions.”
Ochoa said he believes it’s important that students have access to help with registering.
“Young people are usually less likely to vote, and they can make a big difference in the election,” he said.
Pon explained that a common reason that people do not vote is because they believe their vote does not make a difference. She encourages them to see their vote as their voice and power.
“Don’t wait to vote because sometimes people get elected by just a few votes,” Pon said.
African American sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha also encouraged students to vote and provided help to those interested in registering.
Umoja Counselor Faith Watkins, representing the sorority, said that community college is a “hidden jewel” and students are always encouraged to share their voices on campus, which is why it’s important for them to get awareness on voting.
As an African American woman, Watkins feels it’s important to vote.
“The people who came before me didn’t have the opportunity to vote and so I want to exercise my right,” Watkins said. “That’s my contribution to society.”
