Voter registration

As the 2012 general election looms closer, the 40th Republican National Convention had to cancel Monday’s events in fear of being flooded out by Hurricane Isaac, according to a public advisory by the National Weather Service.

According to the 2012 Republican National Convention’s website, gopconvetion2012.com, 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates will congregate together from Aug. 27-30 to nominate the Republican candidate for the 2012 general election, despite the ominous weather forecast.

“We may be paddling water for a day or two depending on Hurricane Isaac,” alternate delegate Wendell Walker from Virginia’s sixth district, and a Liberty University alumnus, said. “[I am] just hoping and praying that the hurricane will move west.”

Walker’s hopes and prayers were answered as the National Weather Service announced that the hurricane has begun moving west, missing the Tampa, Fla. area where the convention will be held.

According to Walker, Gov. Bob McDonnell from the Commonwealth of Virginia will be speaking, Tuesday night.

“I think what that is saying is, ‘[Republicans] like what Virginia is doing politically as a state,’” Walker said. “We don’t have a high unemployment rate, [we have] good business growth, a good economy.”

The importance of this election, according to Walker, is great.

“Part of my goal…is to communicate a message that represents Virginia and the values we all hold dear here, our freedom and our liberty,” Walker said.

Shortly after the Republican convention is finished, the Democratic convention will be held, Sept. 3, according to the convention’s website.

While these conventions are in session, and after they are finished, students have the opportunity to register to vote and cast their ballot for the 2012 general elections, which take place Nov. 6.

“We have a very unique and blessed opportunity for our voice to be heard,” Dean of Students at Liberty University Keith Anderson said.
“I’ve been around the world, and I’ve seen places where you didn’t have that capability and democracy was something that was cherished.”

According to Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr., since the Virginia Electoral Board was under pressure to change the rules of voting registration from the Obama campaign in 2008, Liberty has been encouraging its students to vote locally in Lynchburg.

“In 2008-10, Liberty students voted in huge numbers, so huge that more than one local election was decided by Liberty student voters,” Falwell said. “It is my prayer that students will continue to exercise their rights to vote here at Liberty. This university and its students can benefit in so many ways if our students vote locally.”

According to the City of Lynchburg’s website, to be able to vote in the state of Virginia, one must first register with the local city registrar and fill out the Virginia Voter Registration Application Form correctly by Oct. 15 in order for their vote to count.

To register to vote, students should pick up a form from the City of Lynchburg’s Registrar’s Office on 3236 Odd Fellows Road, or look for the voter registration booths around DeMoss Hall at Liberty.

In addition, Resident Assistants and professors will distribute voter registration forms at hall meetings and in class.

“It is important that Liberty University students not only vote but that they register and vote here in Lynchburg for a variety of reasons that are important for the future of this university,” Falwell said.