BY CASSIDEY KAVATHAS, NEWS EDITOR
For National Voter Registration Day every year Tom Buttafarro, the director of government and community relations for St. Bonaventure University, organizes a voter registration and absentee ballot campaign for students with the help of volunteers. Volunteers for the campaign come from all over: members of the High Education Opportunity Program, Student Government Association and Student Athlete Advisory Committee all participate.
“Voting is the most important thing that you can do as an American,” said Buttafarro. “It is really the only way that allows you to have your voice heard.”
The in-person registration table took place Sept. 27-29, but registration is available year round online. The office of Government and Community Relations page on sbu.edu provides a link to register as well as additional resources. Buttafarro is also available for questions through his email; tbuttafa@sbu.edu.
“To me, when I can help any student get involved in politics or voting, it’s very rewarding,” said Buttafarro.
Even though this year is an odd year with no major elections, registering will keep students registered for next year if their address does not change. By registering and requesting an absentee ballot, one could be better prepared for midterm elections next year.
Last year, the table campaign signed up 60 people on paper and many others through online registration. This service is available to out of state and in state students who are looking to get involved in politics and the voting process.
“We try to make sure college students understand the importance of voting and that their voice matters,” said Buttafarro. “The only way to really make change is to make sure you vote. We want to make sure everyone has that opportunity.”
The campaign is in connection with the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Through this partnership, resources for all states can be found through the Voter Foundation.
“That one website [Voter Foundation] is like a one stop, it allows you to register and apply for an absentee ballot for all states as well as provide deadlines,” said Buttafarro. “All the information you would need to vote correctly for your home state is on that website.”
In a majority of elections, college-age students have the lowest turn out. This includes federal, statewide and local elections.
“I’ve always realized how important our generation is to voting and unfortunately in the past our age group hasn’t been the most active. I think a lot of it has to do with not being registered to vote,” said Caroline Paterno, a senior psychology major, “Being able to help my peers have access to this information has been one of the biggest driving reasons to get involved.”
Buttafarro emphasized that voting in local elections is as important as federal and state elections. In local elections, according to Buttafarro, each vote can cause more change compared to federal and state elections.
“By voting and backing it up with advocacy and speaking for what you believe in, that is the only way to make change,” said Buttafarro. “One vote can change everything when it comes to local elections.”
kavathcj20@bonaventure.edu
