Parties team up for mailed ballots
By MATT BRAMANTI
News Writer
With several important elections quickly approaching, College Republicans and Democrats are teaming up to encourage the use of absentee ballots.
With few exceptions, nearly all jurisdictions in the country allow students to mail their ballots in advance of an election.
Political races around the country will be decided this fall, including some high-profile contests. The governors' seats in New Jersey and Virginia are up for grabs, as is the post of mayor in many cities. New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani continues to remain the subject of speculation as to his plans for the coming months. Some observers have suggested he may try legal maneuvers to obtain a third term, despite term limits. Mayoral races in Atlanta and Houston will also be decided along with countless local elections for school boards, city councils and utility districts.
Though races are spread far and wide, they are also here in Notre Dame's backyard. Due to redistricting following the 2000 Census, elections must be held to fill newly created seats. Tim Roemer, the Democrat United States Representative who narrowly defeated Republican Chris Chocola last fall, is not seeking re-election. Chocola is not expected to face a serious challenger in the primary, but the Democratic slate is much more crowded. South Bend Common Council attorney Kathy Cekanski Farrand, former U.S. Rep. Jill Long Thompson, state Sen. William Alexa and former congressional aide Mark Meissner have all declared their candidacy.
Representatives from the College Democrats and College Republicans will be at North and South Dining Halls today from 11-2, and 5-8, helping students who wish to exercise their right to vote.
"I can't think of a better time to vote and take pride in the freedoms we enjoy in America," College Republican vice president Trip Foley said.
All News Stories for Wednesday, October 3, 2001
