11:35 a.m., Sept. 14, 2009----University of Delaware freshmen will have an opportunity to learn about the real world election process firsthand this year when they use Delaware electronic voting machines for their residence hall government elections.

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The state Department of Elections for New Castle County has teamed up with Residence Life to set up polling stations at Rodney Dining Hall, Russell Dining Hall and the lounge at George Read North on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

“We approached the Department of Elections with the idea, and they were very receptive,” Jim Tweedy, associate director of residence life, said. “The goal is to give students a voting experience that is as close as possible to the traditional process, rather than using paper ballots and a cardboard box.”

“Students were fired up by the presidential election, but we want to make them aware that other elections are important as well and make voting part of their lives. We also want to encourage them to volunteer during elections,” Tweedy said.

The Department of Elections is providing voting booths, printed ballots and trained volunteers, and Meet the Candidates nights are underway.

Jimmy Howard, Rodney Complex coordinator, has organized the event. “Most freshmen have not participated in an election and this gives them practice in the voting process and is a way of encouraging them to vote in local, regional state and national elections,” he said. “The Department of Elections was very supportive and enthusiastic in helping us with this project.”

Those working on the project from the Department of Elections for New Castle County include director Anthony Albence, deputy director Howard Sholl, and Drew Brooks, Cara Carter, Barbara Lippincott and Eric Ulrich.

Article by Sue Moncure
Photos by Evan Krape