Minority Students Set Registration Drive in Motion

UNC minority groups attracted potential voters to the Pit on Monday as part of a campuswide effort to boost registration among students.

Minority student groups are working with other campus groups to get students registered to vote on Nov. 7 and educate them on the bond referendum, which would distribute $3.1 billion to all 16 UNC-system universities and the state's community colleges for capital improvements.

Chris McClure, chairman of the Students for University and Community College Bonds Coalition, said Monday's effort was a sampling of the collaboration of student groups working to increase voter registration. "This week marks the last push in our effort for registration," McClure said. "All the groups are going to be visible."

The Black Student Movement, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity Inc., the campus branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Cross First and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Inc., which were all represented Monday, are working together in the "Get Hype, Get Registered" campaign to mobilize minority voter.

Deidre Green, chairwoman of the political action committee for the BSM, said the organizations have been working on the campaign since Sept. 18.

"We've been all over campus for the past few weeks spreading the word and getting people interested," she said. "This election is a great opportunity. We're going all out this year."

Green said the groups planned "Dorm Storm" for Tuesday night, when they will visit residence halls to offer registration options. "It's our last push to make sure people are registered in time," she said.

The organizations are offering registration opportunities in the Pit until Thursday, the last day registration is open for the Nov. 7 election.

After registering in the Pit, students fill out a survey indicating the three issues most important to them. The surveys will be addressed during a Nov. 2 election forum focusing on issues facing minorities.

Archie Ervin, director of minority affairs, said students should take advantage of their right to vote.

"It is important that all students get involved, especially because the passing of the bond issue will make our institution that much better in the future," he said.

Students around campus are acknowledging the importance of the campuswide effort.

Steve Ellis, a black freshman, said it is common for students to complain about political actions without even voting. "More (minority) voting isn't going to cause immediate changes, but if candidates see we are trying to be heard, things will be better."

McClure said all campus groups are working together to ensure an increase in voter registration and education.

"All groups are doing similar things - Pit sits and going door to door," he said. "It's a mass effort."

The next goal of the coalition is to educate students about the bond, McClure said. "We're going to show students how the bond money is going to benefit them - that's their incentive."

He said the effort of all groups is important because it encompasses all types of student interests. "We've seen a lot of success. Students understand their American rights - they want to vote."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.