#BruinVote16 initiative invites students to be engaged with upcoming presidential election

This year, Belmont University launched the student-led initiative, #BruinVote16, which is “designed to encourage fellow students to educate themselves on the issues and make their voices heard through their vote on November 8.”

There are a number of ways to get involved, including on-campus political organizations fairs, debate watch parties, panels, films and more.

In total, there are 10 upcoming events students may choose to participate in and make their voices heard.

Grab your friends and head to the Beaman lobby Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. to watch the first presidential debate live from Hofstra University.

To get involved with individual political organizations on campus and register to vote, stop by the political organization fair and voter registration drive from 1- 4 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Maddox Grand Atrium.

Take a seat and watch the first vice presidential debate live from Longwood University on Oct. 4 in the small theater of the Johnson Center.

Listen to the leading ladies of the political world discuss their involvement and influence in the field on Oct. 5 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Guests on the panel include Metro council member for the 18th district Burkley Allen, Nashville Board of Education Chairwoman Sharon Gentry and Tennessee state Sen. Thelma Harper.

Follow up the first presidential debate watch party by viewing the second hosted by Washington University on Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. in the small theater of the Johnson Center.

Learn more about the importance of political involvement, the resources available to all students and the process of an election year by attending “Political Engagement as a Student and Beyond” on Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. in Inman Health Science Building 211.

Stop by the Beaman lobby at 8 p.m. on Oct. 19 to view the final presidential debate live from University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Finally, listen to Barbara Williams-Skinner, former executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus and former chair of the Christian Community Development Association, speak about the co-relationship between politics and religion. This will take place on Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. in the Chapel.

“Don’t let decisions be made without your input. Research your presidential candidates and research your SGA candidates, vote for your senator and vote for your school board member and, above all else, stay engaged with and educated about those who represent you,” said Student Government Association President Chris Dickerson.

For more information and details, visit http://bruinvote.belmont.edu or contact sga@belmont.edu.

This article was written by Meghan Winter.