At the annual meeting of the American Political Science Association held last week, two professors shared a study proving that college students are more involved in politics and elections than was previously thought.
The study, conducted by University of Rochester Prof. Richard Niemi and Georgetown University Prof. Michael Hanmer, surveyed thousands of students attending four-year institutions in the months prior to the 2004 presidential election. Niemi and Hanmer concluded that 88 percent of these students were registered voters, a majority of whom participated in the 2004 presidential election.
Niemi said he and his colleague were surprised by this high level of student participation and interest in politics. He added that a college environment is especially conducive to inspiring a sense of civic duty.
"Education makes a good deal of difference," Niemi said. "We know that education stimulates people to vote, and it works with college students compared to [their peers who don't attend college]."
Politics Prof. Larry Sabato said while University students have already demonstrated an interest in the political process, the recent controversy surrounding George Allen's reference to University student S.R. Siddarth as "macaca" will spark even more involvement among students in the upcoming mid-term election.
"That controversy was partly homegrown, and, obviously, University students and faculty were infuriated that Allen would make such a comment to one of our students," Sabato said. "Allen will suffer a penalty for the comment."
Holly Hatcher, assistant coordinator of programs at the Center for Politics, said she applauded University students for being "engaged civically," and alluded to a number of efforts being undertaken at the Center to increase voter registration.
"The Center for Politics is determined to be part of the solution in lifting the percentage of [registered] students all around America," Hatcher said, citing the Student Voter Registration Coalition administered through the Center, which aims at increasing registration at colleges across the nation.
According to Hatcher, Allen's infamous reference to Siddarth will take a backseat to more prominent issues as students decide who to support in November.
Hatcher added that she expects decent student turnout at the polls in November.
"I think that we have students from all kinds of backgrounds who will make their voices heard by voting on November 7th," she said.
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