The impact of student, non-partisan, political groups on student voter participation : the student V.O.T.E.S. model : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to ascertain specific reasons why traditional college-aged students stay away from the polls on election day and to test possible methods of how to increase student voter participation. After surveying both past and present literature on student activism, recent and local voting demographics, and other student voter initiatives, the project will examine a fledgling student organization at Ball State University. Student Voters Organized to Empower Students (Student V.O.T.E.S.) will be scrutinized for its methods and attempts at bringing Ball State to the polls in the November, 1994 elections. By analyzing four predominately student precincts over a span of eight years compared to the 1994 results, actual student voter turnout will be viewed as the measuring stick for ownership in the decision-making process. Student V.O.T.E.S. members will be compared to others within their precincts and Delaware County, Indiana.