Samantha McCarty

Review staff writer

Election years are important, but this year’s election is especially so, because whether a Democrat or Republican wins, history will be made when an African American is president or a woman is vice president.

“It’s important for young people to assert themselves in the community and have their voices heard through voting,” freshman Rebecca Allen said.

To get educated on the unprecedented election,  check out the Linfield Debate Watch 2008, where every student can register to vote, learn about the candidates and participate in political discussion.

Watch the presidential candidates debate foreign policy at the first watch Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. in Riley Student Center 201. The post-discussion will be led by Professor of
Political Science Dawn Nowacki and Assistant Professor of Political Science Patrick Cottrell.

The second watch will be the vice presidential debate Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. in Riley 201. Following the debate, a discussion will be led by Visiting Professor of Political Science Nick Buccola.

The last chance to watch  will be Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. in the Nicholson Library viewing room. See the presidential candidates debate domestic policy and hear the discussion afterward  led by Associate Professor of Mass Communication Brad Thompson.

“This is part of a larger university and college initiative to get students registered and educate them on candidates and issues and encourage them to vote,” Community Service Coordinator Jessica Wade said.

Because of the current economic crisis, Republican presidential nominee John McCain has asked the debate be postponed. Democratic nominee Barack Obama rejected the request. The debate is still scheduled for tonight and the debate watch will continue as planned. 

The deadline to register  to vote in Oregon is Oct. 14. Students who are registered in another state can find information on absentee voting at www.absenteeguide.com.

Those who have not registered to vote, and are 18 or will be 18 before Nov. 4,  can stop by Walker Hall 124 to get registered or register online at www.campusvoices.org/vote. There will also be a voter registration table at all of the debate watch events.

For more information on the debates or volunteering to register voters on campus, contact Wade at [email protected].