Student Democrats rally during election year

After a four-year absence, Young Democrats has made its way back to Arkansas State University.

With major elections in the following weeks, the group, led by freshman Cody Jackson, an international business major of Swifton, plans to make sure students become more aware of politics that affect them and the country.

“I think that people from the group started getting smaller and smaller and so after everyone graduated there was no one left,” said Jackson explaining why the group disbanded several years ago.

With the elections ahead, he decided to take the reigns and start the group again. Jackson, Vice President Logan Bushong, Secretary Emily Hill and Treasurer Jessica Seager said they plan to lead the group this semester, which has around 33 members with spots open for other positions within the group.

“I think our main goal is that we want to set contrasts between President Obama and Romney, Democrats and Republicans, College Republicans and the Young Democrats,” Jackson said. “This year almost every issue is divisive, no gray area, and we’re going to define that choice. ”

“I expect to get things started and to get students to join our group,” Hill said, a junior English education major of Bigger.

Hill said she is also excited to get things up and running for the group.

“It is important that students vote because people that they vote for impact things that happen in their lives and it is important that they are the ones that make that decision,” Hill said. “Students, as well as Americans, should take advantage of voting because people in other countries don’t get the chance. We have people here that are fighting for their chance to have a voice.”

The group’s plans also include cookouts, coffeehouse days and regularly scheduled meetings.

“We are going to other groups’ meetings and reaching out to them. It’s very important that we do that,” Jackson said. “We’ll also have candidates come and talk to members of the group and we’ll host events and parties in Jonesboro. ”

Although no one in the group was able to attend the Democratic National Convention held in North Carolina recently, plans are being made to attend conventions throughout the state in the following year.

While the Young Democrats’ main goal is reaching out to students, they also plan to stay involved in national as well as state and local affairs. They have plans to volunteer at the Democratic Party office on Union Street, make phone calls for the president and hold voter registrations.

“We want to reach out to conservatives, liberals and independents. Our country is better when everyone is involved,” Jackson said.

For anyone interested in joining the Young Democrats at ASU, the group suggested for students to “like” their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/asudems) or email Jackson at cody.jackson@smail.astate.edu. Meetings will be held at the Edge coffeehouse Friday at 3 p.m. and will be held every other Friday following that.