Do pluralistic voting opportunities create confusion?

With the Oct. 8 New York voter registration deadline fast approaching, it is no wonder many on-campus political groups are focusing on increasing voter turnout. Student organizations such as the Vassar College Democrats, Democracy Matters, and the Moderate Independent Conservative Alliance (M.I.C.A.) have dedicated much of their programming this semester to registering voters for this important presidential election year.

The task of registering to vote can be daunting as the specifications differ by state. Some states require that a letter be sent out to request an application, while some states require witnesses to sign the form. Keeping track of the distinct requirements is no small task. With various organizations tabling in the College Center, links posted on the Vassar website, and information available at the Info desk, it can be difficult to presume that one has followed the correct protocol.

So why don’t we just have one massive centralized campaign in the Villard Room?

We are a campus that believes in the ideology of plurality. Though each of the aforementioned campus groups have different political missions, their mission in this election is common. It is crucial that regardless of political beliefs, each person is able to exercise their right to vote. The variety of viewpoints and opinions that these groups provide allow different perspectives, but don’t detract from the principle goal.

The shades of grey characterized by these groups provide a greater forum for ideas and methods of programming. On any given day, one can find a film screening, panel, fundraiser, or table in the College Center that offers a political perspective. It is this ability to express oneself freely that makes Vassar the open community that it is.

Though these groups do provide a pluralistic perspective, they are not working in antithesis to each other. There is a “pre—elections” task force that was specifically created to coordinate and increase communication between groups to ensure effectiveness.

It is this common vision with different tactics of implementation that is making Vassar College an active participant in this year’s election environment. Thus far, these political groups have balanced individual achievement of goals with the larger efforts of the political community. Their dedication to the voting process has created and sustained an effective campaign to get us to the polls.

Unsigned editorials represent a two-thirds majority opinion of the editorial board.