BATTLE FOR THE PRECINT TIMELINE

2008

Early September:
Despite being discouraged by the Lynchburg Registrar’s Office, who cited technicalities as reasons not to register, Liberty students register to vote in the fall presidential elections.

late September:
The Washington Post recognizes the campus-wide voting drive that included distributing registration forms in dormitories and classrooms, callingit “unprecedented.”

November:
Prior to Liberty’s registration drive, there were fewer than 2,000 registered voters in Ward III. After 4,200 on and off-campus Liberty students register to vote, a total of 4,731 people are registered in Ward III.

2009

September:
Students recognize the impact of local government on their finances and on their safety.

While millions of dollars were spent on replacing the old D Street bridge downtown, City Council was slow to respond to the needs of a pedestrian crossing on Wards Road by approving the project but not allocating funds.
Students are financially impacted as well, as the local meals tax alone reaches 11.5 percent.

Students are encouraged to vote to ensure the university and its students are treated fairly.

October:
A rigorous registration drive is once again initiated on campus.

November:
2,288 students turn out to vote in an off-year election, with results seeing T. Scott Garrett winning over incumbent Shannon Valentine by 207 votes. Garrett’s victory is largely due to Liberty students’ votes, as Garrett has a huge margin of 1,964 to 324 in the precinct.

2010

CIVIL RIGHT — Students take part in voting at Heritage. Photo credit: Ruth Bibby

CIVIL RIGHT — Students take part in voting at Heritage. Photo credit: Ruth Bibby

February:
Liberty and Lynchburg clash over Ward III Precinct 4 polling place, as hundreds of students show up to a City Council meeting to request a different voting option. They are unsuccessful in their efforts, as the precinct stays at Heritage Elementary School.

March:
Liberty Champion publishes a survey of 1,236 residential Liberty students who respond with how much they spend, on average, around Lynchburg. Results show that Liberty students do, in fact, pay a significant amount in taxes to the city on meals, gas, entertainment, lodging, car registration, etc.

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