Get Out the Vote

September 23, 2003

Dear Rutgers Students:

If you think you have no influence in Trenton, think again. Your voice was heard loudly and clearly when you rallied last spring to restore proposed budget cuts.

But students can have an even bigger impact on state policy. Because voter turnout among students is low, too many elected officials do not consider you to be among their most important constituents.

It is time to turn that around. October 6 is the deadline for voter registration. Election Day is November 4. All 120 seats in the state Assembly and Senate are being contested at this election, and candidates need your vote to win. This is your chance to reward those who fought for issues and policies you deem important to our state.

A web site at http://vote.rutgers.edu provides all the information you need to get started. It includes voter registration forms, deadlines, and useful links. In late October, student volunteers will be in the New Brunswick residence halls to provide further information about where to vote and how to get to the polls. There also will be a chance to learn about the candidates and find out where they stand on the issues. If you would like to become more involved with the RU Voting Campaign, come to the coalition meeting Wednesday, September 24, at 8 p.m. in College Hall at the Livingston Student Center.

Your vote counts. But it will only count if you register by Monday, October 6, and cast your vote on Tuesday, November 4. I urge you to do so.

Sincerely yours,

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey