The LU Student Government Association is partnering with the LU Police Department on Election Day, Nov. 6, to shuttle students who are registered to vote in Jefferson County to the Alice Keith Recreational Center polls.
There is no sign-up process required, just make sure to line up in the Setzer Student Center circle driveway around 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., to secure a spot in the line for the shuttle, Natalie Sfeir, senior and vice president of SGA, said.
“The Lamar shuttles will begin bringing students to the site at 5 p.m.,” she said. “Shuttling back from the site will end at 7 p.m., when the polls close.”
Sfeir, who came up with the initiative, said this is the first time SGA has partnered with LUPD to bring students to the polls, but she hopes the process continues when she graduates.
“It is up to the representatives serving the next academic year to keep this going,” she said.
Bringing students to the polls helps those who may not have been able to participate in the voting process before due to transportation issues voice their opinions, Sfeir said.
“SGA wants to ensure that every student gets a chance to voice their concerns and make a difference, not only at the state level, but in our local elections, too,” she said. “This gives them the opportunity to truly assert their position and have a say in future endeavors.
“We understand that many students do not have access to transportation, and we want to make sure we provide this outlet.”
Sfeir said she expects more students to take part in voting with transportation out of the way.
“We expect students who have not participated in voting to take advantage of this opportunity and cast their votes,” she said. “This provides a means of transportation and doesn’t require students to spend their own gas money, find parking, etc.”
Sfeir said SGA encourages all those registered in Jefferson County to take advantage of this opportunity.
“Bring a friend with you,” she said. “It is such an honor to have our university work with us to provide such a service. Go out, your vote is your voice, so use it wisely.”
For more information, visit lamar.edu/student-government-association, or call 880-7775.
Story by Olivia Malick, UP managing editor