OPINION: OU Democrats & OU Republicans take on election season

Graphic via: TNP Staff

Ava Jelepis, a Freshman studying Journalism, highlights the work that two of the political clubs on campus are doing in advance of the Presidential Election.

As we inch closer to Election Day on Nov. 5, it is increasingly important to urge others to vote. In doing so, it is also crucial for party members to get the word out about why we should vote for their favored candidate. A college campus is one of the best places to do just that. 

Ohio University is home to both the Ohio University College Democrats and Ohio University College Republicans. With the upcoming election, both organizations have been hard at work advocating for their party's candidates. 

The president of the Ohio University College Democrats, Sean Slatzer, says when it comes to the election, he is “excited to see the outcome of it…, what's gone into the election, and just knowing that I did all I could.”

Slatzer gave a few examples of just some of the events that he, along with the rest of the OUCDs, have been working hard on during the election season. They are holding educational meetings to further inform voters on what is on their ballots, writing letters to undecided registered voters, and having multiple fundraising events. 

Slatzer believes that Kamala Harris deserves to be president, saying, “As a college student, first of all, she really wants to forgive student loans, and I truly think she has my best interest in mind as a gay man specifically. All in all, she stands for the future, going forward.” He also added that he believes Harris has the right ideas on immigration policy and protecting reproductive freedom. He firmly believes that she “has a more forward agenda instead of going back.”

Slatzer made clear that what he loves most about the organization is being able to talk to people who are also interested in politics. “When I started, I was not that confident in politics yet, and seeing people first come in, they're nervous about politics, and they aren't really sure about it, but seeing them grow and also learn and become excited about politics is really fun to see.” 

Anthony Apicella, the president of the Ohio University College Republicans, said he is “most excited to keep working to get the right people in office, along with the excitement and hard work that comes with an election season.” 

Apicella talked about the hard work that he, along with the rest of OUCR, have put into spreading their message, including several door-knocking events and thousands of phone calls made from their call center in Athens. 

When asked why he believes Trump deserves to be president, Apicella said, “Under Trump's administration, our country saw significant economic growth and low unemployment rates. I also believe that President Trump truly cares about America's interests and wants to put Americans first.”

Apicella says that what he loves most about the organization is how passionate everyone is about spreading the conservative message. “I've met some of my best friends through this club, and it has truly changed my life.”

Despite their political differences, Slatzer and Apicella agree on one thing: the importance of voting. 

“I’ve voted in every election that I could. I would just say you're letting your voice be heard in that way. This is our only way to affect what's going on in the country across all levels of state, international, everything. We get to vote for who wins in this election and our voice will ultimately matter on who we get to pick,” Slatzer said. 

Apicella also weighed in on the importance of voting, saying, “You as an American have a constitutional right to vote. That's an inalienable right and your civic duty as a U.S. citizen. People died for our right to have a vote, so I would say we're all obligated to go vote, regardless of who you plan on voting for.”

Both Slatzer and Apicella offered insightful details about both organizations here at Ohio U, and both proved to be passionate about their preferred parties, which is inspiring to see. Both organizations have proven to be ready to take on this year's election head-first. Although not everyone can be the president of an organization such as OUCD and OUCR, anyone can make a difference this election season. 
Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.