Election edition: The Signpost 10/22/2024

E T !

O S V T A O G LDC I W Tuesday | October 22, 2024 | Volume 98 | Issue 15 Cover Illustration By: Star Neil | The Signpost

2 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | October 22, 2024

AI AND THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AI-generated by an unknown creator

By SUTIMA NAKHAWIT Contributor

By MITCH MORENO Contributor

By DANICA SHEFFIELD Contributor

The 2024 presidential election is quickly approaching, and AI’s vast influence has made it unlike any other. With the potential concerns about AI, people may wonder how it will impact the 2024 presidential election.

The Pew Research Center found that “57% of U.S. adults — including nearly-identical shares of Republicans and Democrats — say they are extremely or very concerned that people or organizations seeking to influence the election will use AI to create and distribute or misleading information.”

So far, people have seen AI used in fake celebrity endorsements, misleading images, polling public opinion and more. Companies are making efforts to prevent the spread of misinformation. However, it is still more important than ever to be cautious of the content you see online.

One example of AI being used to spread misinformation is Taylor Swift’s presidential endorsement. On Sept. 11, Swift created a post on Instagram that entailed her support for Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation,” Swift said in the Instagram.

Originally, the image was generated to gain support for President Joe Biden in December 2023. AI was used to create an intentionally-misleading derivative, and Donald Trump eventually shared it on Truth Social. Millions of people, including Donald Trump himself, believed that the endorsement was true. He said he did not generate the images and called AI “very dangerous.” After dispelling the rumors, Swift shared a link for people to register and over 400,000 people clicked it.

Images depicting a likeness of Taylor Swift as Uncle Sam endorsing Joe Biden (Left) and Donald Trump (Right), that circulated the internet.

As for companies working to combat the misinformation, companies like X have stated in their policy regarding AI misleading information that “You may not share synthetic, manipulated, or out-of-context media that may deceive or confuse people and lead to harm.”

Even though X has a policy on misleading media, X seems to be one of the top social media outlets that produces and shares this misleading content, a vice exacerbated by its owner, Elon Musk.

Earlier in September, Musk posted a fake AI generated picture of Harris dressed in a red communist uniform with a caption reading, “Kamala vows to be a communist dictator on day one. Can you believe she wears this outfit!?” This image received nearly 60 million

views.

Though many younger people could see through the obvious falsehood, many older people are not accustomed to AI and are vulnerable to believing the misinformation.

AI will only continue to improve and in the future, it may become even harder for generations that grew up with AI to discern what is true and false online.

Though AI has been used for misinformation, it has also proven to be a useful tool when polling public opinion. Polling is important because knowing what the core issues are will provide insight to the candidates and influence the topics they speak about, even considering how quickly information and the news cycle moves. Overall, this can help voters make a more informed choice based

on what is important to them.

AI chatbot tools like “Engage” help researchers interview thousands of potential voters and quickly analyze their answers to provide insight on their opinions. According to the Missouri Independent, female voters in particular have even reported that they feel more comfortable sharing their true opinions to these AI chatbots.

Additionally, some companies are gathering data from public sources like social media and voting records by using “Sentiment analysis AI” where both tone and context are used to produce information. According to Bruce Schneier, a security technologist at Harvard Kennedy School, “All of the work in polling is turning the answers that humans give into usable data.”

Originally posted by Elon Musk on X

October 22, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 3

Get Mentoring, Advising & Support!

Find free support resources: weber.edu/studentlife

GET YOUR

WEBER GEAR !

AI-generated image depicting a likeness of Kamala Harris in a red communist uniform, originally posted by Elon Musk on X.

Both of these methods can be more cost effective and much faster than traditional methods of polling, but they are not always the most accurate. Using AI for polling can vastly increase the number of respondents, but like with any method of polling, there will inevitably be flaws in the data due to people misleading pollsters, groups being left out, and comparatively low response rates.

As of now, OpenAI (ChatGPT) has also spoken up on its misuse surrounding the upcoming 2024 election and have stated that they are endorsing the “Protect Election from Deceptive AI Act,” a bipartisan bill proposed by Senators in the United States Senate.

According to the U.S. Congress, “The bill

generally prohibits individuals, political committees, and other entities from knowingly distributing materially deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media of a federal candidate, or in carrying out a federal election activity, with the intent to (1) influence an election, or (2) solicit funds.”

Though it is unlikely the bill will be enacted in time for this election, lawmakers and companies like OpenAI are working toward preventing abuse, providing transparency around AI, and improving access to accurate information. If the act passes, this would pressure other companies to comply and prevent AI-generated misinformation from being spread in future elections.

Most of these bills and policies are still in the early stages and will take time to be-

come law. Due to that, most policies regarding AI being used for misinformation are vague and followed loosely. This means it is up to voters themselves to fact check their sources, hold the information behind those sources accountable, and not allow themselves to be easily influenced by what they have seen and heard.

Do research, become informed, understand what each candidate’s plan is, and make the best personal decision when participating in the 2024 presidential election vote.

Comment on this story at thesignpostwsu.com wildcatstores.com

wsuwildcatstore

4 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | October 22, 2024

By TATEM COOPER Reporter

Disturbance at the Ice Sheet On Oct. 12, Weber State University police were dispatched to the Weber County Ice Sheet for a disturbance in the parking lot.

Upon arrival, officers found an intoxicated individual making suicidal statements. Officers were able to de-escalate the situation and convince the individual to seek help at a local mental health authority, and officers facilitated transportation.

Parking lot stop On Oct. 12, a WSU officer stopped a vehicle in the W3 parking lot. The officer then noticed a warrant attached to the vehicle.

Officers were able to note that the warrant matched the individual in the driver’s seat.

The individual was booked into the Weber County Jail.

Concerning statements On Oct. 12, WSU officers were called due to suicidal statements made by a student.

The student was reported to the officers by their friends. After reaching out multiple times with no contact, the officers initiated a trace due to exigent circumstances. Officers were able to make contact with the student and convinced them to meet.

After speaking with the officers, the individual agreed to voluntarily seek mental health help. The officers transported them to the nearest mental facility.

Warranted arrest On Oct. 18, officers found a vehicle parked in a no-parking zone. Upon checking the vehicle and running the plates, officers found the plate did not return to that car. During further inspections, officers noticed a pistol sitting on the passenger seat. The officers identified multiple different registration items for the wrong vehicle, and a call was made to dispatch the car.

The man at the car claimed that he was the owner and was just returning to his vehicle as it had broken down. Officers found multiple different felony warrants for the owner’s arrest. He was taken into custody, and the vehicle was towed.

Upgrade

your tech! ®

TM and © 2024 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

wildcatstores.com

PARTICIPATE IN 2024 LOCAL AND NATIONAL ELECTIONS REGISTER TO VOTE ONLINE

BY OCT. 25 AT 5 P.M.

REGISTER ONLINE:

6 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | October 22, 2024

FIGHTING VOTER APATHY: STUDENT PERSPECTIVES ON THE ELECTION In the United States, voting in local, state and national elections is a civic duty given to citizens. However, a sizable portion of prospective voters doubt that their votes will have an impact. There is growing concern regarding voter turnout in the approaching election due to this sense of disenfranchisement, particularly among younger and more disenfranchised populations.

Some people, like Weber State University student Fiona Witherspoon, feel that voting is a crucial means of ensuring their voice is heard and of participating in influencing the political landscape.

“I’ve always thought that you give up the right to complain about the results if you don’t vote,” Witherspoon said.

This opinion aligns with the widespread conviction that voting is essential to influencing decisions on a wide range of topics, including social issues and public policy. Witherspoon contends that people effectively give up their power to influence the laws and rules that control their daily lives when they choose not to vote.

Witherspoon’s viewpoint contributes to an ongoing discussion on civic duty, especially in a democracy like the US, where all citizens at least 18 years old have the opportunity to vote. According to her, voting is a public duty with implications for society, not just a choice one makes for oneself.

Benjamin Anson, a recently naturalized citizen and WSU student, speaks to many younger voters who believe that their ballots don’t matter much, especially during national elections.

“A lot of my friends say that my opinion doesn’t matter because it’s difficult to be-

lieve that one vote can have an impact in a nation with millions of citizens,” Anson said.

Younger populations are particularly inclined to feel helpless because they frequently find it challenging to understand how their votes will affect change in a system where it can appear gradual or unnoticeable.

“Voter apathy,” as Anson put it, is a typical occurrence, particularly during national elections when the sheer volume of voters can make any individual’s ballot appear insignificant. Younger people are especially guilty of

out that although individual votes may not matter much in national elections, they matter significantly more in local contests. Leah Murray, director of The Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service, emphasized the critical role that voters play in smaller elections when margins are frequently narrow.

“The chances of your vote having an impact in a presidential election are approximately one in six billion,” Murray said. “However, some elections are decided by as few as 12 votes in down-ballot races.”

this sense of apathy; studies show that they continuously vote at lower rates than older generations.

Anson did, however, also stress that voting is about participating in the process and adding to the continuing conversation that affects the nation’s future, not simply about the result.

“Every word counts, every opinion matters because addressing disagreements helps us understand different perspectives,” Anson said.

According to Anson, the strength of democracy is in its capacity to unite people despite their differences of opinion. Although he understands how frustrating it is to feel ignored, he thinks voting is still an essential instrument in contributing to this greater discussion.

Experts on the subject agree, pointing

nicipal elections where results can have a direct impact on communities.

Voting is essential to the democratic process, as demonstrated by the larger message from voters like Witherspoon and Anson and experts like Murray, which goes beyond the numbers. The magnitude of national elections can easily depress people, yet engagement in politics at all levels is part of preserving a robust and functional democracy.

For Witherspoon, voting is an essential part of being a citizen that cannot be compromised. Even if the change won’t happen immediately, Anson sees it as a chance to add to a broader dialogue. Furthermore, it reminds Murray that every vote counts and can effect genuine, significant change, particularly in municipal elections.

Voter involvement is becoming increasingly important as election season approaches.

Every ballot cast, whether for a local legislator or the president, gives someone a say in the decisions that are made collectively.

“Your vote matters a lot,” Murray said.

Every election has consequences, both nationally and locally, which reminds us that democracy depends on participation. The forthcoming election is a chance for citizens to participate, impact, and mold the future, and the message of these voters is unequivocal: each and every vote matters.

MGN

Reporter

MGN

By HAMPUS IVARSSON

Murray’s comments highlight the importance of participating in all levels of government, not just presidential races. Local elections, which determine representatives for city councils, school boards, and state legislatures, often have a much more direct impact on citizens’ day-to-day lives. Yet, these races frequently see far lower voter turnout than national elections, which tend to dominate the media spotlight.

Increasing voter turnout is still a major concern, particularly with younger voters. In contrast to 66% of voters 65 and older, only 36% of eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 29 cast ballots in the 2018 midterm elections, according to Pew Research. This clear generational divide emphasizes the importance of keeping up the conversation with younger people and highlighting the relevance of every vote, particularly in mu-

Left: The former 45th President of the United States and current 2024 Presidential Candidate, Donald Trump. Right: Current Vice s 4 / 3 0 / 2 0 President of the United States loyees of and 2024 Presidential Candidate, in-home s ar e not Kamala Harris. d with any

e

right

to

MGN

October 22, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 7

PHILADELPHIA,PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris greet as they debate for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After earning the Democratic Party nomination following President Joe Biden’s decision to leave the race, Harris faced off with Trump in what may be the only debate of the 2024 race for the White House.

0 2 2

f e t y o

Say Saygoodbye goodbyetoto gutter guttercleaning cleaningfor forgood good

NoNo clogging clogging cleaning cleaning *, No *, No NoNo leaking, leaking, NoNo water water damage damage NoNo ladder ladder accidents accidents

Call Callnow nowfor foryour yourfree freeestimate! estimate!

Financing Financingavailable available1.844.709.1474 1.844.709.1474

$99 $99 Installation* Installation* Does Does not include not include costcost of material. of material.

OfferOffer expires expires 4/30/2022 4/30/2022

15% 15%off offTotal TotalPurchase* Purchase*

* This * This offeroffer is valid is valid for homeowners for homeowners overover 18 years 18 years of age. of age.

TheThe following following persons persons are are not not eligible eligible for this for this offer: offer: employees employees of of Leafguard Leafguard or affi or liated affiliated companies companies or entities, or entities, theirtheir immediate immediate family family members, members, previous previous participants participants in ainCompany a Company in-home in-home consultation consultation within within the the pastpast 12 months 12 months andand all current all current andand former former Company Company customers. customers.

Previous/future Previous/future purchases purchases are are not not eligible eligible for afor discount a discount or sale or sale price price adjustment. adjustment.

Sales Sales tax does tax does not not qualify qualify for discount. for discount.

ThisThis offeroffer cannot cannot be combined be combined withwith any any other other sale,sale, promotion, promotion, discount, discount, code, code, coupon coupon and/or and/or offer. offer.

ThisThis promotion promotion has has no cash no cash value. value.

Leafguard Leafguard reserves reserves the the rightright to to endend any any promotion promotion at any at any timetime without without notice. notice.

Offer Offer endsends 10/31/24.

10/31/24.

Receive Receive a $200 a $200 Visa Visa Card Card with with your your Leafguard Leafguard purchase! purchase!

Consumer Consumer Disclosure/Award Disclosure/Award Rules: Rules: All All participants participants whowho at- attendtend an estimated an estimated 60-90 60-90 minute minute in-home in-home product product consultaconsultationtion andand choose choose to make to make a purchase a purchase will will receive receive a $200 a $200 VISA VISA card. card.

Retail Retail value value is $200. is $200.

Offer Offer sponsored sponsored

by LeafGuard

by LeafGuard Holdings Holdings Inc.Inc. Limit Limit oneone per per household. household.

Company Company procures, procures, sells, sells, andand installs installs seamless seamless gutter gutter protection. protection.

ThisThis offeroffer is is valid valid for for homeowners homeowners overover 18 years 18 years of age. of age.

If married If married or or involved involved withwith a life a life partner, partner, bothboth cohabitating cohabitating persons persons must must attend attend andand complete complete presentation presentation together. together.

Participants Participants must must have have a photo a photo ID and ID and be be legally legally ableable to enter to enter intointo a a contract. contract.

TheThe following following persons persons are are not not eligible eligible for this for this offer: offer: employees employees of Company of Company or affi or liated affiliated companies companies or entities, or entities, theirtheir immediate immediate family family members, members, previous previous participants participants in ain a Company Company in-home in-home consultation consultation within within the the pastpast 12 months 12 months andand all current all current andand former former Company Company customers. customers.

Card Card maymay not not be be extended, extended, transferred, transferred, or substituted or substituted except except thatthat Company Company maymay substitute substitute a card a card of equal of equal or greater or greater value value if if it deems it deems it necessary. it necessary.

Card Card will will be mailed be mailed to the to the participant participant via fivia rstficlass rst class United United States States MailMail or e-mailed or e-mailed within within 30 days 30 days of of receipt receipt of the of the promotion promotion formform provided provided at presentation. at presentation.

NotNot valid valid in conjunction in conjunction withwith any any other other promotion promotion or discount or discount of of any any kind. kind.

Offer Offer not not sponsored sponsored or promoted or promoted

by VISA

by VISA andand is is subject subject to change to change without without notice notice prior prior to reservation. to reservation.

Except Except in the in the states states of MD, of MD, NY NY andand DC,DC, where where the the gift gift cardcard offeroffer is is limited limited to $25. to $25.

Offer Offer not not available available in the in the states states of CA, of CA, IN, IN, PA PA andand MI. MI. Expires Expires 10/31/24.

10/31/24. * Guaranteed * Guaranteed not not to clog to clog for as forlong as long as you as you ownown youryour home, home, or we or will we will clean clean youryour gutters gutters for free. for free.

8 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | October 22, 2024

LUCHANDO CONTRA APATÍA DE VOTANTES: PERSPECTIVAS DE ESTUDIANTES EN LAS ELECCIONES

Por NATHANAEL STOUT Traductor

Por HAMPUS IVARSSON Reportero

En los Estados Unidos, votar en elecciones locales, estatales y federales es un deber cívico dado a los ciudadanos. Sin embargo, una porción considerable de votantes potenciales dudan que sus votos tendrán un impacto. Hay una preocupación en crecimiento sobre participación en la elección venidera debida al sentido de desempoderamiento, particularmente entre los jóvenes y poblaciones más alienadas.

Algunas personas, como Fiona Witherspoon, una estudiante de la universidad de Weber State, sienten que votar es una manera vital de asegurar que la voz se escucha y participar en influir en el clima política.

“Siempre he creído que alguien renuncia el derecho de quejarse de los resultados si no vota”, dijo Witherspoon.

Esta opinión se alinea con la convicción de que votar es esencial en influir las decisiones sobre un rango ancho de temas, incluyendo los asuntos sociales y las leyes públicas.

Witherspoon razona que las personas en efecto abandonan su poder de influir las leyes y normas que

controlan sus vidas diarias cuando deciden no votar.

La perspectiva de Witherspoon contribuye a una discusión en curso del deber cívico, especialmente en una democracia como los EE.UU., donde todos los ciudadanos de al menos 18 años tienen la oportunidad de votar. Según ella, votar es un deber público con implicaciones para la sociedad, no es simplemente una decisión que uno hace para sí misma.

Benjamin Anson, un ciudadano nacionalizado recientemente y un estudiante de WSU, habla a muchos votantes jóvenes que creen que sus votos no cuentan mucho, especialmente durante las elecciones nacionales.

“Muchos de mis amigos dicen que mi opinión no importa porque es difícil creer que un voto puede tener un impacto en una nación con millones de ciudadanos”, dijo Anson.

Poblaciones jóvenes están particularmente inclinadas al sentimiento de impotencia porque frecuentemente es un desafío entender cómo sus votos van a afectar un cambio en un sistema donde puede parecer gradual o imperceptible.

“Apatía de votantes”, así llamada por Anson, es una ocurrencia típica, particularmente durante elecciones

nacionales cuando el volumen de votantes puede hacer que un voto individual parezca insignificante.

Las personas jóvenes son especialmente culpables de este sentido de apatía. Los estudios muestran que los jóvenes a menudo votan en cantidades más pequeñas que las generaciones anteriores.

Sin embargo, Anson también enfatizó que votar es sobre participar en el proceso y añadir a la conversación en curso que afecta el futuro de la nación, no simplemente sobre el resultado.

“Cada palabra cuenta, cada opinión importa porque tratar a las disputas nos ayuda entender los perceptivos distintos”, dijo Anson.

Según Anson, la fortaleza de la democracia está en su capacidad de unir a personas a pesar de sus diferencias de opinión. Aunque entiende lo frustrante que es sentirse ignorado, cree que votar todavía es un instrumento esencial para contribuir a esta discusión mayor.

Expertos en este tema están de acuerdo, notan que aunque votos individuales tal vez no importan mucho en las elecciones nacionales, importante mucho más en contextos locales. Leah Murray, director del Instituto de Walker de política y servicio público, enfatizó el papel

crítico que los votantes tienen en las elecciones cuando los márgenes son frecuentemente anchos.

“La probabilidad de que un voto tenga un impacto en una elección presidencial es aproximadamente uno en seis mil millones”, dijo Murray. “Sin embargo, algunas elecciones son decididas por solo doce votos en elecciones menores”.

Los comentarios de Murray destacan la importancia de participar en todos los niveles de gobierno, no solo en la elección presidencial.

Las elecciones locales, las que determinan los representantes de ayuntamientos de ciudad, de escuelas y la asamblea legislativa estatal, a menudo tienen un impacto mucho más directo en las vidas diarias de los ciudadanos. Sin embargo, estas elecciones frecuentemente tienen una cantidad más pequeña de votantes que las nacionales, las cuales tienden a dominar el enfoque de la media.

Aumentar el número de votantes todavía es un asunto mayor, particularmente con votantes jóvenes. En contraste con los 66% que votan de los de 65 años y mayor, solamente 36% de votantes elegibles entre 18 y 29 años votaron en la elección de mitad de legislatura, según Pew Research. Esta división de gener-

MGN

October 22, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 9

Former President of the United States, Donald Trump, and current Vice President, Kamala Harris.

ación clara enfatiza la importancia de fomentar la conversación con personas jóvenes y destacar la relevancia de cada voto, particularmente en elecciones municipales donde los resultados pueden tener un impacto directo en las comunidades.

Votar es esencial para el proceso democractico, como es demostrado por el mensaje mayor de votantes como Witherspoon y Anson y expertos como

Murray, el cual supera los números.

La magnitud de elecciones nacionales fácilmente puede deprimir a la gente, pero participar en la política de todos los niveles es una parte de preservar una democracia robusta y funcional.

Para Witherspoon, votar es una parte esencial de ser un ciudadano que no puede ser cedido. Aunque el cambio no ocurra de inmediato, Anson lo ve como una oportunidad de añadir a un

diálogo mayor. Aún más, le recuerda a Murray que cada voto cuenta y puede afectar un cambio genuino y significativo, particularmente en elecciones municipales.

La participación de votantes llega a ser más importante al venir la temporada electoral. Cada voto elegido, sea para una legislatura local o el presidente, da a alguien una voz en las decisiones que son hechos colectivamente.

“Cada voto importa mucho”, dijo Murray.

Cada elección tiene consecuencias nacionales y locales, y esto nos recuerda que la democracia depende de la participación. La elección venidera es una oportunidad para ciudadanos de participar, impactar, y formar el futuro, y el mensaje de estos votantes es inequívoco: cada voto importa.

10 | CULTURE | thesignpostwsu.com | October 22, 2024

By WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK Reporter

AJ HANDLEY | The Signpost

The Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service is a campus institution dedicated to engaging students in politics and encouraging active involvement in civic life.

Named after Olene S. Walker, Utah’s first female governor, the institute fosters a sense of civic duty and political awareness among all students, including international students, regardless of their citizenship status.

The Walker Institute was founded in 2012 and had one clear mission: to provide students with the opportunity to learn about politics through experience and opportunities.

Over the past twelve years, the institute has expanded by offering various programs like civic symposiums, Constitution Day speakers, certifications and civic education courses. Through these efforts, the Walker Institute has become a place to not only understand politics but also get shaped into an informed citizen or aspiring politician.

Another component of the Walker Institute is Weber State Votes, which became a component when Director Leah Murray joined the staff about four years ago. Murray explained that Weber State Votes is a campaign designed to encourage every student to register to vote and provide them with what they need to make an informed decision. The goal is to increase student participa-

tion in elections by making the process more accessible and manageable and takes place every other year.

“I want students to feel like they have all of the information at their fingertips to make a good decision for them voting; the United States is a republic, and it depends on people voting, and voters really should be informed about issues before they get a ballot,” Murray said.

Murray also mentioned that voter turnout among young people, especially those aged 18-25, has always been low. One key argument for this could be that many young people lack awareness about how much their participation in elections can influence the political landscape and that their vote does matter.

Murray explained that the Weber State Votes campaign is focused on eligible voters, but the education provided by the Walker Institute is not exclusive. This means everyone, including international students, can participate in various internships.

The best way to get started is by visiting the Walker Institute website and filling out the application to be considered for an internship. Anyone interested in learning more about politics, aspiring to be a politician one day or wanting help before the voter registration closes is encouraged to attend one of the Institute’s events or simply reach out for a conversation to get started.

Many awards from Governor Walkers career are on display in the office.

AJ HANDLEY | The Signpost

WHAT’S UP AT THE WALKER INSTITUTE

The Walker Institute’s front office is inviting to all students.

QUÉ ESTÁ PASANDO EN EL WALKER INSTITUTE Por NELLY HERNANDEZ TEJADA Traductor

Por WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK Reportero

El Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service (Olene S. Walker Instituto de Política y Servicio Público) es un instituto en campus dedicado a informar estudiantes y política e incentiva involucrarse en una vida cívica activa. Nombrado después que Olene S. Walker, la primera gobernadora de Utah, el instituto fomenta un sentido de deber cívico y conocimiento política entre todos los estudiantes, incluyendo estudiantes internacionales, sin importar su ciudadanía.

El Walker Institute fue fundado en 2012 y tenía un objetivo: proporcionar a los estudiantes la oportunidad de aprender de política a través de la experiencia y oportunidades.

Durante los últimos 12 años el instituto ha crecido por ofrecer varios programas como simposios cívicos, oradores del Día de la Constitución, certificados y cursos de educación cívica. A través estás esfuerzas el Walker Institute se ha convertido en un lugar no solamente para la política pero también para convertirse en un ciudadano informado o a alguien que quiere ser político.

Otro aspecto del Walker Institute es Weber State Votes, que se convirtió en un aspecto importante cuando la directora Leah Murray

empezó a trabajar en el instituto hace unos cuatro años. Murray explicó que Weber State Votes es una campaña diseñada para incentivar a todos los estudiantes a registrarse para votar y ofrecerles lo que necesitan para tomar una decisión informada. La meta es aumentar la participación de los estudiantes en las elecciones y hacer que el proceso sea más accesible y manejable, y tiene lugar cada dos años.

“Quiero que los estudiantes sientan que tienen toda la información a su disposición para tomar una buena decisión para votar; los Estados Unidos es una república, y depende de la gente que vota, y los votantes realmente deberían estar informados sobre los temas antes de recibir una votación”, dijo Murray.

Murray también mencionó que el número de votantes entre los jóvenes, especialmente entre los de 18 a 25 años, siempre ha sido bajo. Una razón podría ser que muchos jóvenes no saben que su participación en las elecciones influye en la política y que su voto tiene importancia.

Murray explicó que la campaña de Weber State Votes se enfoca en los votantes elegibles, pero la educación que ofrece el Walker Institute no es exclusiva. Esto significa que todos, incluyendo los estudiantes internacionales, pueden participar en diferentes pasantías.

October 22, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 11

EYES ON STUDENT

VOTERS

Reporter

In addition to being Halloween season, it’s also election season when the local, state and federal issues are on the ballot, putting more eyes on voters — including student voters.

Weber State University student Amie Clegg said her first time voting was “a little confusing. Where do I drop it off? How do I fill the paper out properly? What am I supposed to do here?”

Fortunately, Clegg found resources both at home and on campus to help her clarify things and will be voting in this upcoming election.

“While it’s only my one voice, there’s so

many people who share the same stances with me,” Clegg said. “We want to see things change. We want to see things happen.”

Weber district residents can find several ballot drop-off boxes on Weber State’s campus. Mail-in ballots are also an option if you’d rather not leave your house.

Weber State University Student Association Executive Vice President Mia Foster noted similarities between Weber State’s approach and that of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to encourage students to vote.

Both universities have attained a national Voter Friendly Campus designation, two of only 192 institutions to be distinguished as such. While the University of Nevada promotes civic engagement to a degree of

70% voting turnout in 2020, it was also recognized as one of only seven other Hispanic-Serving Institutions to achieve this in 2022 and was top 3% of all collegiate institutions in efficacy of engagement efforts altogether.

Weber is improving its efforts as well, as it received a bronze medal for its efforts in 2016 and a silver medal in 2018.

Foster said there’s more pressure to vote when living in a swing state.

“You have no idea what it’s going to be.

Are we going to be red? Are we going to be blue? It’s kind of a mystery,” Foster said. “I believe that, no matter what, your vote counts.

Even if you’re in a state that’s significantly A poster with a QR code linking stured or blue.” dents directly to register to vote in

ANNA KUGLAR | The Signpost

By ISAAC TANNER

the upcoming election season.

WSU Meets The

M USE WSU MICKEY MOUSE

PENNANT

BASKETBALL & FOOTBALL AVAILABLE NOW!

Get yours today!

https://bit.ly/WSUDisneyPennants

Meet with your advisor to save time and money by planning your course schedule together.

ON RIVERDALE ROAD UPTOWNRIVERDALE

October 22, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | SPORTS | 13

A NEW BASKETBALL SEASON BEGINS: WEBER STATE VS. UTAH STATE EXHIBITION RECAP unique matchup zone shut down anything Weber did on offense, forcing 15 turnovers and converting them into 27 points.

The Wildcats prepare for their regular-season opener against Northwest Indian College on Nov. 4. Weber State’s roster has seen significant changes since last season, including the departure of Big Sky MVP Dillon Jones, who was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder. With Jones gone, the Wildcats will look to their returning players and new recruits to fill the void.

Three starters return: Dyson Koehler, Alex Tew and Threatt, alongside several transfers like Miguel Tomley and Nigel Burris eager to make their mark as Wildcats.

“You gotta take this game with a little bit of grain of salt, you know, there’s obviously a lot of things that we gotta improve on and we gotta learn from in this game,”

Tomley said. “Obviously, this environment was fun. I think it was cool for the freshmen to come in at the end with five or six minutes left, and they honestly played our best segment for sure,” Tomley said.

One notable change for Weber State is the new court design at the Dee Events Center, featuring a vibrant dark purple and an updated logo. This fresh look symbolizes a new era for the Wildcats as they strive to build on last season’s success and push deeper into the Big Sky postseason.

As the Wildcats gear up for their next exhibition against Adams State, excitement is building around the team. With a rigorous schedule ahead, including key matchups in the Arizona Tip-Off and the Big Sky conference, fans can expect a season filled with both challenges and triumphs.

SARA STAKER | The Signpost

SARA STAKER | The Signpost

On Oct. 18, Weber State University’s men’s basketball traveled an hour north to Logan to face Utah State University in an exhibition game that showcased the excitement of the upcoming basketball season. With a crowd of 4,157 fans at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, the Aggies emerged victorious, defeating the Wildcats 85–66 in a game that provided a glimpse into what both teams could offer this season.

The game was a charity exhibition with proceeds benefiting CAPSA, a nonprofit supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Shooting guard Ian Martinez stole the show for Utah State, scoring a team-high 17 points. Junior center Isaac Johnson

and newcomer Drake Allen each contributed 12 points, while Dexter Akanno added 10 off the bench. The team shot 49.2% from the field, demonstrating cohesion under new head coach Jerrod Calhoun.

“I told the guys before the game that I’m not calling timeouts to stop runs. We got to learn to play through it. We know it’s early in the season. We gotta see how tough we are and see if we can build on some of that. So, we’ll learn from it and get better. We have a great group of guys this year,” head coach Eric Duft said.

For Weber State, the effort came primarily from sophomore Viljami Vartiainen with 16 points and senior Blaise Threatt with 15. Despite starting strong with an early lead, the Wildcats struggled to maintain momentum against Utah State’s aggressive defense and finished the game shooting 42% from the field. The Aggies’

SARA STAKER | The Signpost

By COLLYN COWLES

Editor

LEFT: Vasilije Vucinic (13) backing the defender down. MIDDLE: Nigel Burris (5) dribbling the ball up to half-court. RIGHT: Blaise Threatt (0) attempting a free throw.

14 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | October 22, 2024

WILDCATS STUNG BY HORNETS IN DOUBLE OVERTIME Reporter

After the Wildcats were stopped on fourth down, the Hornets received the ball at the start of the fourth quarter. After driving down the field to Weber State’s 8-yard line, the Hornets tried a double pass, but the pass from Tolliver was intercepted by Freshman cornerback Frankie Edwards who returned it 95 yards for a Wildcat touchdown to make it a 10-point game.

The Wildcat defense then forced a threeand-out from the Hornets and followed it up with a 24-yard touchdown pass from Muñoz to Sharp to make it a 3-point game, 41–38.

The Wildcat defense then forced another punt, but then the Hornets stopped the Wildcats on fourth down to get the ball back with seven minutes remaining.

The Wildcats forced another punt and the offense drove down the field to the 1-yard line. After being stopped three times, the Wildcats elected to kick a field goal to tie it.

Thompson then made the kick to send the game into overtime.

In overtime, the Wildcats began with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Muñoz to Sharp again. The Hornets responded with a 9-yard

ROBERT CASEY | Weber State Athletics

The Weber State University football team fell 51–48 to Big Sky Conference rival Sacramento State on Oct. 19 in a double overtime thriller.

The teams went back and forth in the first quarter starting with a 5-yard touchdown run from Hornet running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver.

The Wildcats answered with a 28-yard rushing touchdown from freshman running back Davion Godley. After which, senior kicker Kyle Thompson made the extra point and became Weber State’s all-time leader in points scored in a career. Another Tolliver touchdown run made it a 14–7 game favoring the Hornets at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter began with a 20-yard field goal for the Wildcats from Thompson.

Tolliver then broke away for a 70-yard touchdown run to make it a 21–10 game for the hornets.

The Wildcats responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Richie Muñoz to senior wide receiver

Jacob Sharp.

After a field goal from the Hornets and a punt from the Wildcats, Sac State freshman quarterback Carson Conklin found senior wide receiver Anderson Grover in stride for a 54-yard touchdown pass to make it a 31–17 game.

On the next play from scrimmage, Weber State junior running back Damon Bankston broke free for a 54-yard touchdown run to bring the Wildcats within 7. However, after a 41-yard field goal from kicker Zach Schreiner, the Hornets went into the locker room with a 10-point lead at the half.

The Wildcats got the ball first in the second half and drove down to the Hornets’ 7-yard line. On third down, junior cornerback Zelmar Vedder made a one-handed interception to give the ball back to the Hornets.

After the Wildcat defense forced a punt from the Hornets, Muñoz was hit as he threw the ball, which was caught by Hornet senior defensive lineman Ben Ahio. The Hornets capitalized with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Conklin to junior tight end Coleman Kuntz to make it a 41–24 game.

Kyle Thompson (41), kicking an extra point.

touchdown pass from Conklin to Grover.

In the second overtime, the Wildcat defense held the Hornets to a field goal, giving the Hornets a 3-point lead. The Wildcats were then stalled on offense and brought on Thompson to send the game into a third overtime. However, the kick sailed left, giving the Hornets their first conference win of the season and giving the Wildcats their second-straight loss.

Bankston had a career-high 234 yards rushing. Sharp finished with 119 yards and three touchdowns.

The Wildcats will travel down to Flagstaff, Arizona, to take on the Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks on Nov. 2 following their bye week.

Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com

ROBERT CASEY | Weber State Athletics

By GAVIN NELSON

Frankie Edwards (29), making a tackle.

October 22, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | SPORTS | 15

LOS WILDCATS PIERDEN ANTE LOS HORNETS EN EL SOBRETIEMPO POR VICTORIA HERNANDEZ Traductor

POR GAVIN NELSON Reportero

El equipo de fútbol americano de Weber State perdió 51-48 con el rival de Big Sky Conference, Sacramento State el 19 de octubre en un thriller sobre el tiempo doble.

Los equipos fueron de ida y vuelta en el primer cuarto a partir de una corrida para touchdown de 5 yardas de él Hornet running back, Elijah Tau-Tolliver. Los Wildcats respondieron con un touchdown de 28 yardas del running back de primer año, Davion Godley. Después de que el pateador de último año, Kyle Thompson, hiciera el punto extra y se convirtiera en el líder de todos los tiempos de Weber State en puntos anotados en una carrera. Otro touchdown de Tolliver puso el partido 14-7 a favor de los Hornets al final del primer cuarto.

El segundo cuarto comenzó con un gol de 20 yardas para los Wildcats de Thompson.

Tolliver corrió 70 yardas anotando un touchdown poniendo el partido a 21-10 a favor de

los Hornets.

Los Wildcats respondieron con un pase para un touchdown de 37 yardas del quarterback de segundo año, Richie Muñoz al wide receiver de último año, Jacob Sharp.

Después del field goal de los Hornets y una patada de los Wildcats, Sacramento State quarterback de primer año, Carson Conklin, consiguió al wide receiver de último año, Anderson Grover, para un pase de touchdown de 54 yardas, que puso al partido 31-17 en el marcador.

En la siguiente jugada de scrimmage el running back de Weber State, Damon Bankston, se zafó para una touchdown de 54 yardas que acercó a los Wildcats a 7. Sin embargo, tras un field goal de 41 yardas del kicker, Zach Schreiner, los Hornets se fueron al locker room con una ventaja de 10 puntos.

Los Wildcats se apoderaron del balón en la segunda mitad y llegaron hasta la yarda 7 de los Hornets. En el tercer down el cornerback, Zelmar Vedder, hizo una intercepción con una mano para devolver el balón a los Hornets.

Después de que la defensa de los Wildcats forzó una patada de los Hornets, Muñoz fue

golpeado cuando lanzaba el balón y fue atrapado por el lineman de último año de defensa de los Hornets, Ben Ahio. Los Hornets capitalizaron con un pase de touchdown de 2 yardas de Conklin al tight end, Coleman Kuntz, para poner el partido 41-24.

Después de que los Wildcats fueran detenidos en el cuarto down, los Hornets recibieron el balón en el principio del cuarto periodo. Después de recorrer el campo hasta la línea de yardas 8 de Weber State, los Hornets intentaron hacer un pase doble, pero el pase de Tolliver fue interceptado por el cornerback de primer año, Frankie Edwards, que devolvió 95 yardas para un touchdown de los Wildcats convirtiéndolo en un partido de 10 puntos.

A continuación, la defensa de los Wildcats forzó un tres y fuera de los Hornets y lo siguió con una pase de touchdown de 24 yardas de Muñoz a Sharp para hacer un partido de 3 puntos, 41-38. La defensa de los Wildcats forzó otra patada, pero los Hornets pararon a los Wildcats en el cuarto down para apoderarse del balón con 7 minutos restantes en el juego.

Los Wildcats forzaron otra patada y la ofen-

sa condujo por el campo a la línea de 1 yarda. Después de ser detenido tres veces, los Wildcats optó por patear un gol de campo para empatar. Thompson hizo la patada para enviar el partido a sobretiempo.

En el tiempo extra, los Wildcats comenzaron con un pase de touchdown de 3 yardas de Muñoz a Sharp de nuevo. Los Hornets respondieron con un pase de touchdown de 9 yardas de Conklin a Grover.

En la segunda sobretiempo, la defensa de los Wildcats mantuvo a los Hornets a un gol de campo, dando a los Hornets una ventaja de 3 puntos. Los Wildcats se estancaron en la ofensa y trajeron a Thompson para enviar el juego a un tercer tiempo extra. Sin embargo, la patada se fue a la izquierda, dando a los Hornets su primera victoria en la conferencia de la temporada y dando a los Wildcats su segunda derrota consecutiva.

Bankston consiguió 234 yardas de carrera.

Sharp terminó con 119 yardas y tres touchdowns.

Los Wildcats viajarán a Flagstaff, Arizona, para enfrentarse a los Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks el 2 de noviembre tras su semana de descanso.

THE SIGNPOST TEAM Editor-in-Chief Brisa Odenthal brisaodenthal@mail.weber.edu

Chief Copy Editor Justin Steed justinsteed@mail.weber.edu

Managing Editor Emilie Hart emiliehart@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Copy Chief Mindy Brown mindybrown1@mail.weber.edu

Design & Graphics Editor Star Neil starneil@mail.weber.edu

News Editor Gracie Stephenson graciestephenson@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Design & Graphics Editor Alyssa Nelson alyssanelson2@mail.weber.edu

Sports Editor Collyn Cowles collyncowles@mail.weber.edu

Photo Editor Anna Kuglar briannakuglar@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Sports Editor Brayson Brown braysonbrown@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Photo Editor Norlito Ranchez Jr. norlitoranchezjr@mail.weber.edu

Culture Editor Megan Swann meganswann@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Culture Editor Cooper Hatsis cooperhatsis@mail.weber.edu Translation Editor Nathanael Stout nathanaelstout@mail.weber.edu Translation Editor Nelly Hernandez Tejada nhernandeztejada@mail.weber.edu Adviser Deann Carver deanncarver@weber.edu Business Manager Rob Steedley robertsteedley@weber.edu

The Signpost is a student publication, written, edited and drafted

by Weber State University students. Student fees fund the printing of this publication. Opinions or positions voiced are not necessarily endorsed by the university. The Signpost reserves the right to edit for reasons of space and libel and to refuse to print any letters. Letters should be submitted online to thesignpost@weber. edu and read letter to the Editor in the subject box. Letters should not exceed 350 words.