‘Get Out the Vote’ Block Party Held by Political Science, Pi Sigma Alpha
(William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
By Nathaniel Swindell, Staff Writer
On Monday, the political science department held a block party on Stine Lake encouraging students to “get out the vote” by casting a ballot in the 2024 presidential election. The event was held one day before the Nov. 5 election day as a final reminder for eligible students to vote.
“There have been studies that block parties, or similar things like this are really productive in getting greater voter turnout,” said Carlie Goldstein ’25, one of the event organizers. “Our goal is to clear up the process, and encourage people to get out tomorrow.”
Political Science Professor Lindsay Reid was one of the event’s faculty coordinators. She commented on its pertains to the mission of the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society, saying, “During election years, Pi Sigma Alpha offers grant funding for chapters of the organization to hold events like voter registration and ‘get out the vote.’”
“In conjunction with the officers of Pi Sigma Alpha, we determined that there are so many great groups doing voter registration efforts on campus that it might be more effective not to duplicate those efforts, and to have a Get Out the Vote event to, at the last minute, to answer questions and keep people excited,” she said.
While the two organizers agreed that each person ought to vote at whatever time is best for them, they acknowledged the benefits of voting early compared to on election day.
“Pennsylvania’s hard just because there’s not technically real early voting in PA,” said Goldstein. “In other areas where it’s a little bit more clear, voting early is a super great way to avoid long lines, avoid any conflicts on the day of, and it can make people’s lives easier. If that’s a better fit for people, we totally believe that’s a great idea. But our event is just because it’s the day before the election.”
“I think people should vote whenever is right for them,” said Professor Reid. “I think there are a lot of reasons to vote early, especially concerning, ‘what if something happens?’ ‘What if something comes up that prevents voting on Nov. 5?’ Bottom line key take-home point: as long as you vote, that is a good vote,” she said.
They also commented on the recent emergence of election advertisements on campus, in the form of signs and numerous chalk slogans.
“It’s kinda hard on campuses, smaller campuses, with a club that might not get huge turnouts, so this could be a way to promote their stuff,” said Goldstein. “We think today’s event is a really good way because we have both College Republicans and College Democrats represented today.”
The Block Party had a successful turnout, and several students participated in an activity in which they wrote their reasons for voting on a large board.
“So I think the main thing that I’ve been trying to remind my students of, and challenge them with, is that the polls and history would suggest that your generation isn’t going to vote. So my take-home point is to prove them wrong and vote,” Professor Reid stated.
(William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
(William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
