The University's chapter of the National Organization for Women is organizing carpools to major cities in Virginia so students can vote in their registered cities on Election Day. NOW is currently recruiting volunteer drivers.
The organization plans to visit all the major cities in Virginia, but which cities will be selected depends on the number of drivers and voters.
"We aren't sure how many people will participate but we expect many people to be involved," NOW Treasurer Katherine Moody said.
After a list of drivers is compiled, an information board will be assembled, possibly online, for student voters to sign up for their hometown.
The purpose of NOW's efforts is to increase voting among students, especially among women.
"Many women don't vote, but it is such an important thing," Moody said. "If we don't vote, no one will represent our issues."
Julia Siegel, vice president external of NOW, added that the young voter demographic can affect close elections.
"What's important is getting college students involved in voting, because we make up a substantial age group and could make a difference in a close election," Siegel said. "The carpool would be a very effective and easy way to get out the vote."
Although absentee ballots are available on Grounds, NOW decided to hold the voting carpool "to bring people together and to make voting more personal rather than political," Moody said. "Getting together is more fun than filling out a form."
Siegel added that students often do not fill out ballots.
"Many U.Va. students are residents of Virginia, but do not vote," she said.
The carpool proposal was originated by a few students who decided to go to their hometowns to vote. When interest in the idea grew, NOW took the initiative to open the event to all students who wish to vote in their registered cities.
The details of the event are being finalized, but further information will be available in October. Other student organizations such as the Asian Student Union and All Women Attaining Knowledge and Enrichment may also participate in the election carpool. In addition, members of the Minority Rights Coalition will participate in the event.
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