CPLA holds inter-dorm voter registration competition to boost political participation

The Committee for Legislative and Political Action (CPLA) started a strong academic year with a week-long voter registration drive and other events celebrating youth activism. Residence halls were challenged to produce the highest percentage of registered voters, with the competition culminating in an announcement at the "Politicon" party on Oct. 1.

CPLA members have been working non-stop since the summer to organize the week's events, which included a kick-off party incorporating the TV series "West Wing" and chocolate fondue, and an informal discussion of youth activism in politics led by Professor Laura Grattan of the Political Science Department.

CPLA Residence Hall Representatives spread the word at House Councils and in dorm hallways, trying to get students registered. First-time voters were asked to fill out registrationforms, which were addressed and sent by CPLA, while previously registered students were asked to notify a FirstClass voter tally conference of their voter status.

"On Wednesday night, Dorthea Dasmaskos, one of Freeman's fabulous senators, and I knocked on every door in Freeman and made sure everyone who answered had…registered. If she had—or if she did while we were in the room—we gave her candy. That definitely kept people from getting mad at us for interrupting their studying," CPLA Rep of Freeman Katherine Cali '13 said.

"Going door to door allowed me to help people who were confused about the registration forms, so no one could say she didn't turn in her form because she didn't understand it. I think our taking the time to talk to people face-to-face spread enthusiasm throughout the hall. Freeman ladies are a pretty competitive and enthusiastic bunch anyway."

This year's voter registration was "incredibly successful," CPLA Chair Erin Choi '10 said. "I counted over 200 emails in the first day of the competition alone. We also received countless emails expressing overwhelmingly positive feedback about this week."

"We want to make Wellesley students recognize that political issues have relevance in their lives," Co-Chair of CPLA Special Events Simi Oberoi '11 said, "but we didn't want it to be dull by any means. This week was all about encouraging excitement and interest in political issues. As youth voters, we can have an influence and we should make our voices heard."

CPLA's chocolate fondue party had a substantial turnout despite unexpected torrential rain. Grattan's talk on youth activism also attracted a high turnout and differed from the usual faculty lecture by developing into an informational dialogue.  The conversation ranged from the significance of pop culture in politics to the effectiveness of mandatory voting policies. Concerns from students about youth activism today included the perceived dismissive attitude of decision makers toward young voters, the difficulty of obtaining unbiased information, and apathy in 18 to 25 year-olds who may not see the relevance of current hot-topic issues on their lives, such as health care.

However, "if college students don't register to vote, then politicians have no reason to try to win our votes," Cali said. "If we want our interests to be represented—regarding students loans, for example—we have to show politicians that we'll make them pay at the polls if they don't listen to us."

Each day, the number of voters per hall were posted on hall conferences. Ultimately, FreemanHall was announced the winner.

In the competition overall, 908 students responded, with 133 registered new voter—about a third of Wellesley students in total.

"We got the whole campus involved and excited about political participation, and that was our main goal for this week," Choi said.

"Our CPLA reps were very committed and diligent this year," Oberoi agreed, "and the student response was amazing."

The CPLA's job doesn't end there. Choi expressed the hope that "people will keep this momentum going." She said, "Registering to vote was only the first step. Now people have to vote or register for absentee ballots [for] upcoming elections. We're in the process of planning events that will get people excited and more importantly will inspire them to see politics as relevant in their everyday lives."