By the busload, students voting early in Ohio

By:Alecia Mouhanna, staff writer for The Lantern, Ohio State University

For the first time in Ohio, voters can cast their votes early. From now until Nov. 3, voters registered in Franklin County can go to Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheater and cast their ballots for the presidential election.

In an election year where the youth vote is considered a critical factor with the potential to tip the scales, new voter registration and early voting are being emphasized to maximize participation.

"We think it's going to play a pivotal role in this election, and students are going to play a pivotal role," said Olivia Alair, a spokesperson for the Obama campaign.

Until the voting registration deadline ends Monday, free busing will be available to transport students to Veterans Memorial to register or cast their ballots.

The bus will run today through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Stops are located at the Recreation and Physical Activity Center, at the corner of West 17th Avenue and High Street and the corner of West 12th Avenue and High Street every half-hour.

Alair said early voting should eliminate the need to wait in long lines on Election Day and allow more citizens to vote who otherwise would not.

Early voting might also increase the youth vote from 2004 presidential election numbers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a record 47 percent of the 18-to-24 age demographic cast ballots in 2004.

Although the effort to encourage people to cast their ballots before Election Day is driven by Students for Obama, students of any political affiliation can register at campus tables or take the bus to the Veterans Memorial to vote. Alair said thousands of new voters have already registered.

Students can also vote absentee in Ohio without needing to state a reason.

Most residence halls on campus have information about having absentee ballot delivered to the dorm, and they are available at the county board of elections office.

Alecia Mouhanna reports for The Ohio State University's The Lantern. The Lantern is partnering with Campus Politico for the 2008 elections.