With the excitement of the presidential race sweeping Winston-Salem State students and faculty alike are gearing up to cast their votes in North Carolina’s May 6 primary election.
Democratic frontrunners, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama as well as leading Republican candidates, Mitt Romney, and John McCain are all vying their party’s presidential nomination.
As the primary draws nearer, it becomes increasingly important for people to register to vote, get to the polls and choose their favorite candidate.
According to a recent informal poll done by The News Argus staff, 22 out of the 37 students surveyed intend to vote in the upcoming primary. Some students seem motivated to go to the polls by the possibility that a black man could become a presidential nominee and ultimately have a chance to run the country.
Junior Ebony Ross said she feels compelled to vote in the primary to help ensure that Obama becomes Democratic nominee.
“I want a black president,” she said.
Other students echoed Ross, saying they want to see Obama in the Oval Office. “Obama needs to win. It’s time for change, ” said Marcus Burton, a sophomore.
Although many students seem intrigued by the possibility of having an African-American president, others are just as excited by the idea of having a woman in office. Either way, Clinton and Obama are both in the position to make political history since former NC Senator John Edwards has dropped from the race. Jasmine Mack, a sophomore nursing major, was not old enough to vote in the 2004 primary, but she plans to have her voice heard in the primary in May. She cites the caliber of the presidential candidates as the reason for her desire to vote this year.
“The fact that we have such great candidates [compels me to vote],” said Mack. “It’s wonderful that we have the opportunity to have our first woman or black male president.”
For more information on how to register or other voting information, go to: NC State Board of ElectionsPeople for the American WayLeague of Women Voters