Student groups affiliated with political parties made low-key
efforts Monday to encourage students to vote in today’s
general elections.
Though high-profile issues can occasionally transform Bruin Walk
from a recruiting ground for Fall Rush into a hotbed of political
controversy, student activity on the eve of this year’s
elections was relaxed.
Last-minute campaigning was limited to student groups passing
out campaign literature at tables on Bruin Walk and at a late
afternoon session outside De Neve Plaza.
At De Neve, members of Bruin Democrats and the Republican
Leadership Council were joined by a local members of the Green
Party. Though UCLA does not have an official Green Party presence
on campus, Greens hope to see a change in the near future.
“We expect to have a campus Green chapter here very
soon,” said Patrick Meighan, who graduated from UCLA with a
degree in history in 1995.
Candidates for major parties traditionally have considerable
advantages over the Greens and other third parties.
Though Green Party gubernatorial candidate Peter Camejo is not
expected to threaten Democratic incumbent Gray Davis or Republican
challenger Bill Simon, the major parties have had trouble
mobilizing support for their candidates, even among party
faithful.
“I’m indifferent, but I know I don’t want
Simon,” said Bruin Democrat Alexa Daniels, a third-year
political science and history student.
Neither the Bruin Democrats nor the RLC is taking official
stances on any of the candidates or ballot initiatives up for a
vote today. RLC treasurer Ariadna Vallejo said it was more
important to get students interested in politics than to take
formal stands.
“The point right now is to get people interested and
exposed to the Republican cause,” said Vallejo, a second-year
English and history student, and RLC member.
Bruin Democrats refrain from adopting official positions since
not all of their members have identical views.
“Our club spans so many different ranges of
liberal-ness,” said Kristina Doan, a first-year English
student and club member.
Though the three groups outside De Neve presented a broad
spectrum of political interests, the majority of students who
passed by the event paid little attention. A few students picked up
flyers and asked questions, but many simply hurried by without a
second glance.
Despite the cool reception, Doan enjoyed the opportunity to
provide information to interested students.
“I don’t really have high expectations, I’m
just glad there were people that stopped by,” Doan said.
One student who stopped by said that though the event was
helpful, it would have been better if held earlier.
“I think it needs to come a few days before the
election,” said second-year undeclared student Monica
Sheftel.
Both Bruin Democrats and the RLC plan to keep a low profile
today. On campus, Bruin Democrats plan to work a table at Bruin
Walk, while the RLC has no activities scheduled.
Members of both groups plan to await election results at party
gatherings held tonight in Los Angeles. Republicans are scheduled
to meet at a hotel near Los Angeles International Airport while
Democrats plan to assemble in Century City.