By: Carter DeJong
Staff Writer
The American Democracy Project (ADP) has many events planned for the coming months with the midterm elections. Elizabeth Bennion, a political science professor at IU South Bend has been running the project since 2004. The ADP encourages people from all areas of the political spectrum to take part in its events. The goal of the organization is to “to create people who have the knowledge, the skills, and the values required to make a meaningful difference in their communities,” according to Bennion.
One of the major goals of the ADP is to encourage young people to simply get out and vote. On Sept. 25, they will host National Voter Registration Day across campus. There will be tables where students can come to register to vote and get all of the information they need on where to go and how to vote. All they need to bring to register is the last four digits of their Social Security number or their Driver’s License. There will also be registration tables set up during the first week of October. Another purpose of the voter registration tables is to encourage students to confirm that they are registered or to update their information if they have moved. Bennion would like students to know that their Crimson Card can be used as a photo ID at the polls in November if they do not have an in-state driver’s license
The next event will be held on Sept. 27 at 7p.m. to 8:30 in the Northside Performance Hall for the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s race. The debate will feature Democrat Bill Redman and Republican Paul Jonas. The debate will also be aired on ABC 57.
The next debate will be held on Tuesday Oct. 2 from 6 p.m. to 8:30. This debate will take place at Wiekamp Hall in room 1001 and feature City Council candidates from Districts C and H.
The following week on Tuesday Oct. 9 there will be an Indiana House debate for District 5 from 6 p.m to 7:30 also in room 1001.
Next up is the County Commissioner debate on Oct. 11 in room 1001 from 6 p.m. to 7:30.
On Oct 8 and 30 the ADP will host debate watch parties at the River Crossing community building from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. These debates will feature the high-profile race between Democratic incumbent Joe Donnelly, Republican candidate Mike Braun and Libertarian candidate Lucy Brenton. The outcome of this race could determine which party will gain control of the Senate.
Bennion would like to welcome all students from across the political spectrum to participate and staff ADP events.
