By Laura Gasvoda
ACU College Democrats President Jared Perkins is looking forward to an exciting year for the organization. The ACU College Democrats have already planned several events on and off campus, including opportunities to network with both the Texas College Democrats and the West Texas Coalition of Democrats. They will also provide volunteers for the Texas governor elections and partner with ACU’s Young Republicans.
Perkins, a junior political science major, said, “The goal of the organization is to get students to vote and increase political awareness at all levels: local, state, and national.”
Perkins is also the precinct chair of the Democratic party in Abilene and works closely with the Taylor County Democrats. He said that ACU student-voter turnout, especially at state and local level elections, is habitually low. The club will work to raise awareness and increase involvement.
But the goal of the College Democrats reaches beyond simply increasing Democratic party involvement to increasing student participation in the community overall; no matter a student’s political allegiance.
Promoting a specific party candidate is not allowed on the ACU campus, but members of the College Democrats will have the opportunity to volunteer for candidate Bill White’s campaign for the office of Texas Governor in the greater Abilene community. Activities volunteers may participate in include posting signs at voting precinct locations the night before elections and participating in local voter registration drives.
Vice President Rebecca Dial, sophomore dual political science and history major, said, “One thing I am excited about for this year’s club is the November midterm elections. They result in more to do and more interest in general.”
A new activity for ACU College Democrats this year will be partnering with Annie’s List, an organization working to increase female representation in government and to help female candidates for both parties raise money for their campaigns. Dial is organizing a phone banking evening for Annie’s List.
“It will be a great way for people to participate,” Dial said.
Young Republicans and College Democrats will work together on the upcoming Constitution Day celebration scheduled for Sept. 17. Both clubs will host interest meetings in the next few weeks.
For more information and opportunities to get involved, join the “ACU College Democrats” Facebook group and watch for advertisements on myACU.
