On Tuesday, the Asian Student Union hosted the Presidential Elections Unpacked event in the Observatory Hill Forum.
While the ASU recognized many students have already chosen who they are going to vote for in November, the purpose of this event was to explain more about where each candidate stands on various policies.
ASU Advocacy Chair Lauren LeVan, a third-year College student, wanted to hold the event to show ASU’s members how important being involved in politics is.
“As Asian Americans, we are the fastest growing minority population in the US and I think that comes with a lot of potential political power. But, we’re the lowest racial group for voter turnout and I think that a lot of that is to due with a lack of information.”
The event brought together the College Republicans, the University Democrats, Turning Point USA, U.Va. Vote and the International Relations Organization to discuss each major party’s platform regarding specific issues in a debate-like format.
While representatives from the University Democrats expressed mainly the plans of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, representatives from the College Republicans explained universal positions of the party and specific plans from different Republicans.
Throughout the event, those in attendance discusses topics such as immigration, education, student debt, LGBTQ rights, gun control and the candidate’s relationship to minorities.
“One candidate is actually prepared to be president, actually has the human decency to serve as president, actually understands the problems facing this country,” University Democrats President Sam Tobin, a fourth-year College student, said. “One candidate is intolerant, racist, sexist, incompetent and has none of the qualifications, skills or judgement necessary to serve as the president.”
Prior to the event, the College Republicans officially announced the retraction of its endorsement of Republican candidate Donald Trump.
“It is only one election cycle,” Adam Kimelman, second-year College student and College Republicans vice chair of campaigns, said. “You have to look at the candidates, their policies, their temperament and make some sort of decision. … We’re not going to tell our members of the College Republicans who to vote for. Obviously, there are other options though.”
Additionally, Kimelman said while the presidential election is receiving a lot of attention, he reminded attendees that local elections are also taking place and are very important.
“Local elections do matter in the sense that you need a Congress and a Senate to check the president and make sure that they are actually creating policy,” Kimelman said. “Because that is where policy starts — in the legislative branch. So I do think local races matter so as an organization we’re working on a lot of local races all over the country.”
The overarching message of the event was to join the debate and — most importantly — vote, regardless of the current political climate.
As a member of a minority population, LeVan said it’s especially important to vote to make sure their voice is heard.
“It’s important to know that we have so many rights that our ancestors didn’t. I have family abroad and they don’t have the same opportunities to answer for themselves and to participate in things like politics. I want to channel that and realize how special it is that we live in a country that have a voice and we can always find a way to make sure that we are heard.”
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