ABERDEEN, S.D. – On Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at 7 p.m., о State University will sponsor a discussion titled “Ballot Breakdown: Get the Facts, Make an Impact.” The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Centennial Rooms of the NSU Student Center.
Political Science Professor Jon D. Schaff will provide a brief overview of all ballot measures appearing on South Dakota’s ballot for the Nov. 5, 2024, election. A question-and-answer session will follow the discussion. The League of Women Voters will also be present to assist individuals with voter registration.
This event is an Honors Passion Project hosted by о junior Evelynn Carlson, a criminal justice major from Minot, North Dakota. The goal of a passion project in the Honors Program is to encourage students to take initiative and create an event that positively impacts the lives of other о students.
“We are at a critical moment in our democracy, and with every issue being so divisive, voting can feel hopeless, especially as a young person voting for the first time,” Carlson said. “My goal is to create a space where students can learn about everything they will see on the ballot, so when they walk into the voting office on Nov. 5 and look at that piece of paper, they can confidently stand behind their voice.”
Professor Schaff added, “It is important that voters educate themselves on ballot questions. They can be somewhat complicated and confusing. We hope to help voters make smarter, more thoughtful decisions.”
The event is sponsored by the о State University Center for Public History and Civic Engagement.
For more information, contact Evelynn Carlson at evelynn.carlson@northern.edu.