Youth Vote Rally on Election Day Eve

The rally was organized to generate enthusiasm and participation in the upcoming election.

"We hope to engage students in the event and get them excited and ready to vote," said Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan, political science assistant professor and director of the Center for Civic Engagement. "We want to be sure students are informed and feel confident in their individual decisions."

Students filled Davis Lobby for the gubernatorial watch party on Oct. 24 and later discussed the candidates and issues addressed in the debate.

"I am thrilled with the turnout and diversity of participants at the watch party," said Scourfield McLauchlan. "We had people of all ages and political affiliation who provided thoughtful and perceptive insight."

Students have the opportunity to offer more insight on the issues at stake in the upcoming election by entering a Student Essay Contest. To enter, students must answer the question "What is at stake and why should I vote on Nov. 7, 2006?" in 500 or fewer words.

Winners will be announced at the Get Out the Youth Vote Rally. Winning essays will be published on the Center for Civic Engagement and Leadership Florida Web sites and will be considered for publication in the St. Petersburg Times. The first place prizewinner will receive $250 and the runner up will receive $100.

Contest applications and guidelines are available at www.stpt.usf.edu/community. Entries are due before noon Wednesday, Nov. 1.

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