I n d ep en d en t
Issue no.
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September 2012
Volume 25
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Boise, Idaho
Top Stories
Game Time
Students how-to on casting their votes Staff Writer
Get geared up for the first home game of the season on Saturday.
Blue & Orange Tab
Impact
Honoring a teacher’s memory with a collection of artwork.
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Smoker’s Rights
In the year 1970 a 20-yearold college student didn’t have the right to vote. It wasn’t until the 26th Amendment of the Constitution was ratified in 1971 that the official voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 years of age. Yet, according to the United States Census Bureau, those 18-20 have had the lowest percentage of participation of any group in Presidential elections since. According to those same statistics, the second lowest participation rate goes to the next group of younger voters aged 21-24. Why are younger voters lagging behind? Is there a lack of interested in politics? Or, could it be, in part, the younger generations aren’t familiar with the process? Some first time voters find the mechanics of the voting system a bit confusing and don’t understand how to take part in the process. For those who find themselves in this situation, they should know there are helping hands willing to lead them in the right direction. One of those hands ready for grasping is the Idaho Secretary of State’s official voting information Web site, www. idahovotes.gov. The site is loaded with ample information helping students learn what is needed to make each
individuals voice count. Voter qualification is simple in the state of Idaho. According to the Idaho Voter’s Guide located at idahovotes.gov, to qualify to participate students must be “a Citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age, or older (and) a resident in the state and in the county for thirty (30) days prior to Election Day.” If an individual qualifies to vote in Idaho, the next thing they must do is register to vote. However, students need to be cautious when choosing where to register. It is such an important topic that a whole page on the Idaho Votes Web site is dedicated to the topic of students and voting residency. In a nut shell, the page explains if an individual is attending college but intends to return back to another county or state that is consider “home,” then students should register there. In this case, students can vote via absentee ballot, and can usually obtain those ballots from the County Clerk’s office in individual home counties. According to the Voter Guide, in Idaho registration can be completed with the County Clerk in which students reside up until 25 days preceding any election. Students can also mail in a voter registration application card to their County Clerk, but it must be postmarked at least 25 days before election day. Those cards are available for download on the Idaho
For Ada county voting information, contact: Should designated smoking stations be placed on campus?
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Weather
Christopher D. Rich Ada County Clerk 400 N Benjamin Lane Ste 100 Boise ID 83704 Phone: (208) 287-6860
Votes website. Another way to register is to do it at the polls on election day. However, individuals must bring the proper identification and documentation. According to the frequently asked questions portion of the Idaho Votes Web site individuals will need to have a valid Idaho driver’s license or Idaho ID card. Additionally students also need a document that has their current address which should be in the precinct being voted in. The site also says college students may use their current student ID card along with a current student fee statement that contains the student’s valid and current address to satisfy these requirements as well.
Federal Election Commission: http://www.fec.gov Election Information Contacts for Idaho Counties : http://www.idahovotes.gov/Clerk.htm Election Information Contacts for Ada County: http://www.adaweb.net
Color fight: Go beyond the blue
Today
Lauren Hooker Staff Writer
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Breaking down the ballot process Martin Sondermann
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The Student Involvement and Leadership Center (SILC) on campus will host the first annual Blue & Orange Color Fight on the Intramural Field this upcoming Saturday, Sept. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will take place before the first home game
against the Miami (OH) Redhawks, so students can wear the remnants of the fight splattered on their person to the game. The color fight is an opportunity for students to get pumped-up for the game by chucking blue and orange powder all over themselves, their peers and anyone within armshot. Participants are encouraged to wear white clothes; protec-
tive eyegear will be provided. The powder is safe and biodegradable. “The Blue and Orange Color Fight was designed for students to get out and not only show support for their team, but also to meet other students who share the same Bronco spirit,” said Courtney Johnson, a marketing assistant for SILC. “It’s an awesome opportunity for students to
come out, listen to some great music and color fight before the first home game. This will be a fun event, giving students the opportunity to get involved and come together as a community.” Music will be provided by the University Pulse, Boise State’s student run independant radio. “It’s basically going to be something that’s felt
and not only seen,” Denny Spinks, General Manager of the University Pulse said. “You’ll use all your senses to feel what we’re doing.” Old Navy donate white tshirts and Qdoba will give out free burrito passes. “I’m most excited to see everyone come together and just have a blast,” said Sean Olmstead, a program assistant for SILC. “We don’t have a lot of game day traditions and I think we’re starting something that students are going to look forward to every year.”
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The Arbiter
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A little chalk in the mouth never hurt anyone—get ready for a chalk-throwing festival of color and fun this weekend.
CODY FINNEY/THE ARBITER
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