Voter registration drive a success

Liberty University’s initiative encouraging students to register to vote locally has now exceeded its goal — enough that Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. has decided to cancel classes on Election Day.

The school set a goal of 1,500 new registrants this academic year, but has surpassed that at 1,729. Including returning students who registered last year, about 3,200 Liberty University students are now registered to vote in Lynchburg.

“We deeply appreciate your participation,” Falwell told students at Wednesday’s convocation. “ … The local elections in May will be our students’ first chance to attempt to impact local politics and bring about fair treatment for LU and its students on issues that affect your tuition, your taxes, so greatly. A good turnout from LU students this fall will ensure that the right candidates run for office in the all-important spring elections.”

Liberty University made national headlines last year when the school recruited about 4,000 students to register in the state of Virginia.

Activities at The LaHaye Ice Center and Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre will be free for students on Election Day. Liberty University Dining is also offering a 10 percent discount at Doc’s Diner to everyone who wears their “I voted” sticker.