MU student groups emphasize political engagement through watch parties
While the impact and importance of political debates on voters and the overall presidential race is arguable, many politics-focused groups have been assuming that they the debates are important, working to increase voter awareness. Some of these groups, such as several at the University of Missouri, have been working during the election cycle to ensure that certain groups, such as students — who are traditionally considered as less politically aware — can make an informed choice on Nov. 6.
Multiple MU student organizations, such as Tigers Against Partisan Politics, the Missouri Students Association and Associated Students at the University of Missouri, have been hosting debate watch parties, encouraging students to better educate themselves about the nation’s politics.
Trey Sprick, an MU student and president of Tigers Against Partisan Politics, said it is important for college students attend the events and realize the importance of their vote.
“As cheesy and clichéd as it sounds, we really are the future of the country and so our needs have to be identified when it comes to policymaking,” Sprick said, adding that students shouldn’t stop at voting to be politically aware since politics goes beyond elections.
Photo by Kelsey Kerwin/KBIA radio
About 185 students from the university attended a such an event for the second presidential debate Tuesday night, according to a report from KBIA.
At another event held on the MU campus, Missourian reporters asked several students what they would ask the presidential candidates if they were at Tuesday’s town hall-style debate. While many of the questions focused on student-centric issues, such as school funding and Pell Grant awards, others asked about each candidate’s stance on energy and foreign policy issues.
The non-partisan student groups hosted a similar watch party for the first presidential debate on Oct. 3.
