PVCC Rocks the Vote

Over a hundred students registered during register-to-vote week according to political science Professor Connie Jorgensen. Professor Jorgensen organized the voting registration event that spanned from Sept. 21-24.

“I am very passionate about registering to vote and the;n voting. Everyone should vote,” Jorgensen wrote in an e-mail.

Using a new registration tool called TurboVote, 182 students registered during the week-long event. TurboVote helps with new and updating registration as well as helping voters  obtain an absentee ballot and vote by mail. “With TurboVote you can also sign up to get email and text messages reminding you of upcoming elections and where to find your voting location,” Jorgensen wrote.

It seems no avenue was left untried to make registration opportunities available to students. Though the main part of the event was held in the Bolick Center, students were also able to register in class, online through Blackboard, or through an email sent out by PVCC President Frank Friedman.  Given the number of students enrolled at PVCC and the effort put into the event, few students seem to be interested in voting. Jorgensen voiced her concerns, “It may seem like your vote doesn’t count, but if you decide not show up you’ve given up any chance you have of making a difference.”

Jorgensen’s passion is making quite an impact on students. She believes that everyone else’s vote has greater power when others choose not to vote. When asked what she would say to someone who does not think voting matters, Jorgensen replied, “Change doesn’t occur overnight, it takes time. Too often I hear “I voted once and my candidate lost.” Well, you need to keep at it!”

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, elections will be held for the State Senate, House of Delegates and local offices. To register, visit pvcc.turbovote.org and the site will walk you through the registration process. To learn which candidates are running, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website: sbe.virginia.gov .  All students are highly