TO THE EDITOR:
Civic engagement is one of the fundamental values of the Carolina community. Yet our generation — the young-adult demographic — historically does not vote.
We are the least politically active age group in the United States population. When we choose not to vote, we choose not to be represented by our government. In North Carolina and across the nation, funding for education and youth services has been dramatically cut because elected officials are not held accountable by our demographic.
In order to engage students across all levels of government, the Association of Student Governments will be hosting a UNC systemwide meeting on voter education and awareness. On Friday and Saturday, student governments from colleges and universities across the state will meet on our campus to listen to local elected officials, be trained in voter education and discuss ways in which they can get their students involved in the electoral process.
Chapel Hill municipal elections will be held this fall, and it’s crucial that UNC students make their voices heard. Students have the power to shape town policy and development. The Houston Summers administration has begun planning a candidate forum in October to bring candidates for Chapel Hill mayor and Town Council onto campus to engage with students.
Early voting will begin Thursday, Oct. 22 and run through Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Chapel of the Cross, 304 E. Franklin St. For more information from Student Government on the election and much more, check out Tar Heel Vote on Facebook.
Diana Dayal
Student Government
Director of State & External Affairs
