Presidential Election Day 2008 – W&M Edition

Election Day 2008 has taken the College of William and Mary by storm.  Campus has been buzzing for months now with preparations for the election.  The Student Assembly ran a hugely successful drive to register students to vote as residents of Williamsburg, a privilege extended to students for the first time in Williamsburg history.  And, of course, students have been actively engaged in supporting their own candidates, by canvassing, blogging, and proudly displaying political memorabilia.   Whether voting in Williamsburg or by absentee ballot, students have been engaging in political discussions all over campus, everywhere from dorm rooms to the Daily Grind Coffee Shop to classrooms in all departments.  Today, the Student Assembly is running a shuttle service from the center of campus to polling centers in the area, is handing out hot cider to voters waiting in line, and is staging a Get Out the Vote Rock Concert on the Sadler Center Terrace.

In addition to participating in the general hubbub on campus, I have been preparing for the election academically as well.  As a part of my Political Polling class in the Government Department, I was able to help formulate an exit poll and administer it to Williamsburg residents at a polling station in the area early this morning, before I voted myself.  My professor for the course is hosting a gathering at his house later on tonight to analyze our own polls, watch the election results come in, and he’s hinted that desserts will be present.  I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Students all over campus are gathering to watch the election results come in, and it’s guaranteed that the anticipation will be running high on both sides throughout the night.  This election is proving to be a momentous time in American history, and W&M students are doing an ample amount to get out the vote and make sure that our voices are heard!   Hark Upon the Ballot Box!

Colleen Kennedy, Class of 2010