Campus political groups dismayed by apathy
"We had a picnic with the city council, we help to connect people with campaigns, and we've planned an upcoming debate with the College Republicans," said Jordan Libowitz, president of the College Democrats. But, he admits, "Hopkins hasn't ever been a very political school."
Connie Vogelmann, president of the Students for Environmental Action and active member of the College Democrats, commented on the SEA's campus activities, saying, "The group is technically non-partisan, and it's important to maintain that; we've written letters to O'Malley, but we tend to stay out of politics."
Her group launched its major project, Recyclemania, last semester.
Despite their efforts, both the College Democrats and Students for Choice admit they have hundreds of people on both mailing lists, but only a core 20 or so who show up to meetings.
Lazerowitz believes apathy is "not a problem unique to Hopkins." And although there has been nationwide talk of increased young voter turnout, he holds that apathy "occurs all over the nation, with low turnout among youth voters."
Despite election excitement, he said, "Even with candidates who appeal to youth, McCain on the Republican side, who appeared on an MTV debate, and Obama on the other side, that enthusiasm doesn't always translate over to actual political action by students."
Libowitz and Berlinsky-Schine both think the developing election activities will spur students on to greater heights of political interest. "I remember from three years ago," Libowitz said. "In the week before the election the campus became much more politically active. People do care, and they will vote."
Berlinsky-Schine agreed, saying, "I've noticed a big change [in interest] recently. There's lots more, especially now that it's a tight race, that draws people in. It seems like lately there's been a lot more interest, a lot more activism."
On a less optimistic note, Vogelmann said, "Apathy for events at Hopkins goes beyond politics. [The election season] has made a little bit of a difference, but not as much as expected."
Students for Choice has been active this year, holding one major event, the bi-annual Sex on the Beach.
Dorothy Knutsen, Students for Choice president, calls it "a way to promote sexual health on campus."
She also noted that at last semester's event the group provided, "Information about political candidates who are for choice issues, to make sure people know which candidates support those issues."
Meredith Siller, former president of Students for Choice and an active member, said, "We have some speakers, several events a semester and for the most part we're available. It's students who really determine how politically active we are."
Connie Vogelmann, president of the Students for Environmental Action and active member of the College Democrats, commented on the SEA's campus activities, saying, "The group is technically non-partisan, and it's important to maintain that; we've written letters to O'Malley, but we tend to stay out of politics."
Her group launched its major project, Recyclemania, last semester.
Despite their efforts, both the College Democrats and Students for Choice admit they have hundreds of people on both mailing lists, but only a core 20 or so who show up to meetings.
Lazerowitz believes apathy is "not a problem unique to Hopkins." And although there has been nationwide talk of increased young voter turnout, he holds that apathy "occurs all over the nation, with low turnout among youth voters."
Despite election excitement, he said, "Even with candidates who appeal to youth, McCain on the Republican side, who appeared on an MTV debate, and Obama on the other side, that enthusiasm doesn't always translate over to actual political action by students."
Libowitz and Berlinsky-Schine both think the developing election activities will spur students on to greater heights of political interest. "I remember from three years ago," Libowitz said. "In the week before the election the campus became much more politically active. People do care, and they will vote."
Berlinsky-Schine agreed, saying, "I've noticed a big change [in interest] recently. There's lots more, especially now that it's a tight race, that draws people in. It seems like lately there's been a lot more interest, a lot more activism."
On a less optimistic note, Vogelmann said, "Apathy for events at Hopkins goes beyond politics. [The election season] has made a little bit of a difference, but not as much as expected."
Students for Choice has been active this year, holding one major event, the bi-annual Sex on the Beach.
Dorothy Knutsen, Students for Choice president, calls it "a way to promote sexual health on campus."
She also noted that at last semester's event the group provided, "Information about political candidates who are for choice issues, to make sure people know which candidates support those issues."
Meredith Siller, former president of Students for Choice and an active member, said, "We have some speakers, several events a semester and for the most part we're available. It's students who really determine how politically active we are."
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Response to voting apathy article
posted 2/09/08 @ 6:10 PM EST
Apathy is a vote in itself. While apathy might be prevalent in some voters, political ambiguity might be prevalent among today's leading presidential candidates. (Continued…)
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