Tabatha Fields
The Corsair
The Escambia County Elections staff visited Pensacola State College Monday, Sept. 17, to encourage students to vote.
There was a table outside the student center with pamphlets containing information on voting, and there was a small book adorned with the United States flag on the cover entitled, The U.S. Constitution- and Fascinating Facts About It.
According to the Escambia County Voter Guide-2012, you must be a: U.S. citizen, 18 years old, (you may pre-register at age 16) and, a legal resident of the Florida county you wish to be registered.
In the early 1900s there were ongoing obstacles concerning voting.
Women and African Americans were not allowed to vote. Eventually, through many struggles and battles fighting for their rights, both were allowed to vote.
Thanks to Lyndon B. Johnson, who signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, he awarded African-Americans the right to vote. This was a milestone for them because it granted them equality and chance for their voices to be heard.
The ratification of the 19th Amendment in the 1920s sealed the victory for women to vote. This newfound freedom allowed women to feel equal in a male domineering world.
It is not complicated to vote anymore. There are not any stipulations based on sex or color of skin, yet there are still citizens who are not registered to vote.
“I have not registered to vote because I have too much to do, but I plan to vote,” said Brian Perdue, a PSC art major.
It is not too late to register.
According to the Escambia County Voter Guide-2012, you must be registered on, or before, the book closing date to be eligible to vote.
Oct. 9 is the last day to register, stated Cynthia O’ Connell, secretary for the Florida Lottery. “I have had 21 students to register today. We will be visiting other schools to encourage students to vote.”
Mitt Romney and Barack Obama are the candidates for this year’s General Election held Nov. 6.
Many students expressed their candidate favorites and the views they wish to see upon electing their candidate.
Freshman Jessica Bennett is a registered voter who is voting for Romney because she agrees with his views. “I also agree with some of Obama’s rules, but I agree with Mitt Romney’s more. I would like to see better financial aid opportunities.”
Radio personality Michael Baisden warned voters about “phone calls claiming that you can register over the phone. If someone calls and claims they can register you over the phone, it is a scam.”
This upcoming election is another history-making event.
PSC, along with the Escambia County Board of Elections, is encouraging students to vote.
“… I am voting for Obama,” admitted Leviticus Dawson, a PSC general studies student.
Whether it is Romney or Obama, cast your vote!