As the general election approaches, many political clubs on campus are hosting events to encourage cross-partisan dialogue.
Northwestern’s College Democrats, College Republicans, Political Union and Bridge USA chapters all encourage students to submit a ballot, but also to discuss candidates and their policies.
Daniel Ginn, a Weinberg sophomore and NU College Democratic Party treasurer, said the group brings students together to spread awareness about the upcoming election.
Many of their efforts specifically target voters in swing states, particularly in the Midwest, Jin said. In October, members of the NU College Democrats traveled to Michigan and Wisconsin, knocking on voters’ doors and campaigning.
“I think this election is definitely one of the most important political events that many students will experience, especially since it is the first election that many students will vote in,” Jin said. “Especially in this election, where the stakes are high, it’s really important that we feel like we can make a difference.”
During each convention, members of the NU College Democrats write letters to voters in battleground states. Members also participate in telephone banking, where they call voters as part of their political campaigns.
The NU College Democratic Party also invited American political analyst and CNN host Van Jones to its fall speaker event on Tuesday. Ginn said she hopes Jones will provide students with a new perspective on politics and encourage them to become more politically aware.
“We hope that with his insights, we will be able to show our students, first, why this election is so important, and second, why the media is so important. ” said Jin. “It’s more important than ever to know how the media is connecting in the upcoming election.”
Weinberg senior and NU College Republicans President Janine Yuen said the organization focused primarily on encouraging both members and non-members to vote this quarter.
Yuen said NU College Republicans will work with other political clubs on election night to hold watch parties and panels to foster conversation about the election and some of its issues.
“I hope that after watching the panel, the students will understand that regardless of political opinions, the most important thing is for everyone to get along,” Yuen said. “By sharing[our opinions]and listening to the opinions of others, people can learn more about the political climate here, why it’s so important to vote, and what they want for the future. I hope you can learn a little more about why it’s so important to know who our country is and what each candidate represents. ”
Clark Mahoney, a Weinberg junior and event chair for the NU Political Union, said the NU Political Union is a place where people can discuss controversial topics with people they disagree with.
On the Monday before Election Day, the group will host a public debate to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
“I don’t expect anyone to change their mind or change who they vote for, but I do hope they at least hear what someone on the other side has to say,” Mahoney said. “I think it’s important to listen to other people’s opinions.”
In partnership with NU College Democrats, the NU Political Union will host an election night watch party. Ms Mahoney said she hoped people would come together to relax on a “tense” evening.
Jonah Elkowitz, a Medill senior, former daily staffer and co-chair of Bridge USA’s NU, said Bridge USA may not hold many events before the election, but the organization will hold events in various regions after the election. He said he wants to hold several political “icebreaker” events focused on bringing people together from the United States. A political context for the conversation.
“We take an approach where we listen to people individually on a variety of issues without labeling them,” Erkowitz said. “We want our students to feel safe. I’ve talked to a lot of new and current students who are afraid to join political clubs on campus because they’re worried about being marginalized. ”
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