I am a Student at Purdue University and have been one of the dozens of workers calling, canvassing, chalking, and informing voters of the great opportunity we have to elect Senator Obama. It has been greatly rewarding and have learned so much about the university I attend.
For those that don't know Purdue, and I assume most don't, this relatively conservative Big Ten school has been mostly controlled (politically at least) by the College Republicans. The student body seemed to be mostly apathetic toward global issues and consistently votes down drive to get more meaningful news sources on campus and activity fees to encourage campus events. So as I started my work, I was a bit hesitant, fearing I would meet many McCain supporters or worse, the apathetic youth.
Today was the first day of early voting on campus, and we were all nervous about the possible returns. It was a total and complete success. The lines at the polls were full all day, and we collected over 1100 votes on the first day of early voting. We had such a turnout, election officials are considering doubling the polling stations for tomorrow, hopefully increasing turnout even more.
As much negativity has been said about the Indiana voting process with the news about ACORN, it has made some improvements from 2004. Lines in 2004 were over 4 hours long, depressing voter turnout (especially for students). The best thing, however, is the ability for students of state schools to use their student ID as their only identification. It makes the process quick and easy, and allows people without a state issued ID such as a license, the ability to vote in the state they reside for most of the year.
I have been so pleasantly surprised with this whole campaign and its ability to instill energy in an apathetic university. I have been pleasantly surprised with Indiana's forward thinking (for once) with elections (outside of lake county). But I will be most pleasantly surprised when Indiana turns blue on Nov. 4th. (A boy can dream)