University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire leaders will meet Thursday to discuss the new Voter ID Law and what it means for students who want to vote in November. Following the reinstatement of the Voter ID Law last Friday, UW-Madison announced that it will provide students with separate voter ID cards starting next week. It’s an idea UW-Eau Claire says it will also discuss. Student leaders say it’s already a challenge to get students registered and to the polls to vote, but now with the requirement for a valid photo ID, there may be other hurdles. Jordan Luehmann, a student at UW-Eau Claire, said voting is important because at the end of the day, voting is what makes a difference. “It’s important for the country’s future, it’s important for you now even in college,” said Luehmann. “Even if you don’t like politics, the one thing you should do is vote. I think that’s a powerful thing to do.”
Jonathan Wieser said voting is what makes democracy a democracy. “Having a say in the government is voting. It’s important to have as many people not only care about it but have a say in it,” said Wieser.
UW-Eau Claire student body vice president Jake Wrasse said the goal is to foster active citizenship early on. He said local politics do effect students who live in Eau Claire during their college years and they want to be involved. During the April 1st election when the Confluence Project was at stake, Wrasse said voter turnout increased by 210 percent for on-campus student voting.
“For an 18-year-old that maybe hasn’t had a chance to vote at home or is turning 18 after they come here, providing that opportunity and the resources to make that an easy and really exciting transition is an important part of what we do.
Full Article: College students facing challenges with Voter ID Law.