UPPER BURRELL, Pa. — In an effort to mobilize the college youth vote, the Penn State New Kensington student organization My Vote Matters! is sponsoring an evening social featuring local politicians from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, in the campus Conference Center.
The event, “Diplomatic Dinner,” will feature presentations by state representatives Eli Evankovich, R-Murrysville, and Joseph Petrarca, D-Vandergrift, Jeremy Honhold, from the office of U.S. Representative Keith Rothfus, R-12th and Erin McCelland who is running in the Democratic primary for the right to face incumbent Rothfus in the general election in November.
The guest speakers will gear their presentations to campus students and discuss the importance of getting involved in politics and registering to vote. They will not espouse policy or campaign positions. An interactive question-and-answer session with the audience will follow.
“It really is simply about getting to hear people involved in politics speak about how and why others should be engaged and become involved,” said Sarah Steighner, a senior in the Communications program and member of the My Vote Matters! committee.”
The event is open to campus students and there is no cost. The buffet-style dinner features chicken and shrimp.
To RSVP for the dinner, email mjb6270@psu.edu
My Vote Matters!My Vote Matters! was established last semester to educate and register first-time voters. The group, led by Millie Brasser, a sophomore corporate communications major, is dedicated to enlightening young voters on the importance of getting involved in the political process, be it on a local, state or national level. The group doesn’t espouse the views of any political party or candidate.
“Our goal is to make a difference for young people in our country,” said Brasser, a resident of Tarentum. “Students should be proud of our country.”
Formed under the auspicious of the Student Government Association, the committee comprises eight members -- Kyle Waraks, Derrek Koblinsky, Broderick Gerano, Jon McCabe, Danielle Richardson, Aaron Holness, Cecily Petrarca, Steighner and Brasser. They set out to register students to vote, educate students on issues and candidates, recruit volunteers, build election excitement, and get out the vote.
“College kids are so incredibly apathetic when it comes to voting,” Koblinsky said. “We want to inform students beyond just registering to vote. I want a secure America for future generations.”
The team held its first registration session Feb. 3 during lunch hour in Café 780. Thirty-five campus students signed-up to vote at the inaugural session. After the first two weeks, more than 70 new voters are on the rolls.
The registration drive continues until the last week in March. My Vote Matters! sets up registration tables held twice a week, noon to 1 p.m., Monday and Wednesday, in Café 780 or the main lobby next to the Junction coffee bar. New voters must register by March 27 to be eligible for the April 26 primary elections.
After the primaries, the group will expand its voter reach to the city of New Kensington. Brasser's goal for the fall semester is to register young voters for the general elections in November.
For more about voter registration drive, contact Brasser at mjb6270@psu.edu