by JESSIE LOVELACE
News Reporter

Appalachian State University students began going to the polls to cast their vote, as early voting began on campus Oct. 16 in Plemmons Student Union.

Early voting will be held in the Multicultural Center on the first floor of the Student Union.

The polls will be open Monday through Friday, Oct. 20 to Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 1 until 1 p.m.

This is the first year students were able to vote early on campus.

“We are trying something new this year,” Jane A. Hodges, director of the Watauga County Board of Elections said.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the new early voting station.

“If [students] do not take advantage of this opportunity then I doubt it will be offered again,” Hodges said.

The deadline for voter registration was Oct. 10.

To vote in Watauga County, one must have been a county resident for 30 days prior to voting and must be registered within the county.

However, students are able to register and vote the same day when voting early.

Other locations for early voting in Watauga County include the Watauga County Courthouse, the Watauga County Board of Elections office, the Agricultural Conference Center and Boone Town Council Chambers.

Zachary L. Grier, Student Government Association director of civic engagement said, “The university and SGA are encouraging early voting to make sure there are no excuses for not voting.”

SGA has supported student voting initiatives.

“We want people to research candidates and their positions and make an informed decision,” Grier said. “We hope everyone will take advantage of these excellent opportunities to vote.”

Sophomore electronic media broadcasting major Theodore E. Galloway voted Tuesday in the student union.

He said the early voting location was convenient for students.

“It was very easy for me to vote,” he said. “Students can just get it over with in between classes.”

Voters do not need to have identification unless they are also registering.

“You only need to bring yourself if you are just voting,” Grier said. “You will be asked your birth date, name and to verify your address.”

To register, voters should bring a form of photo identification  and a letter or bill to verify their address. Students living in residence halls can bring their check-in papers to verify their address, Grier said.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Monday.

A hand written request must be mailed to the Board of Elections of the voter’s respective county.

“This is a part of democracy. This is the one thing we can do,” Hodges said. “This is a very important election and we encourage everyone to get out and vote.”

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