 "Photo: Morgan Crutchfieldy/Echo Staff Photographer")
In 2008 the country witnessed a rebirth in young people voting.
According to an article written by N.C. Central University associate professor Jarvis Hall, the overall turnout for the campus in the presidential election was 90 percent — a University record. The Durham county overall turnout was 77 percent.
Hall's findings were published in a National Civil Review titled "The Campus, the Community, and Voter Mobilization."
Young voters in North Carolina accounted for 33 percent of new voters.
With the upcoming elections approaching rapidly, many hope to see the same or even a better turnout for young voters.
"This election is very important. You have to vote in this election to have follow-ups in the 2008 elections," said Hall.
"This election will determine who wins and who loses. It will decide healthcare and other policies."
"The winner of this election will decide how to draw the district lines for the future," said Hall.
NCCU student organizations joining Hall are also stressing the importance of voting by holding events around campus.
Last week collaborations between five student organizations sponsored an Obama watch party in the W.G. Pearson cafeteria. About 300 students attended the event.
At the event, broadcast students watched President Obama's speech made to the University of Wisconsin where he addressed over 27,000 people.
Congressman David Price and United States Trade Representative to the Obama Administration Ron Kirk addressed the audience about the importance of this year's election.
"This election is just as important to the presidential election, because we need the supportive congress in order for Obama to pass legislation" said student activist Martha Butler.
The history senior is an intern with N.C. Coordinating Committee for Elaine Marshall and David Price.
Student activists plan voter registration, including door-to-door canvassing to register students and the community.
"My concern is that we had an on-campus early voting site during the presidential elections, but we don't have one this election cycle," said Butler.
Butler said they are now working on plans to provide additional transportation to off campus absentee voting sites. One-Stop Early Voting begins Oct. 14 and continues through Oct. 30.
According to Hall's article, 78 percent of NCCU students voted early in 2008.
North Carolina is only one of nine states to offer same day registration and voting. It is the only southern state to provide it.
"I want students to take responsibility for their peers and their community," said Hall.
"Do it for a sense of obligation, not community service."
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