With the presidential election quickly approaching, Seton Hall's political organizations look to increase both membership and political awareness on campus.
Interest on campus has increased with the upcoming election, and Seton Hall's College Republicans are trying to use it to their advantage, said Christian Warneke, executive director of the club.
The College Republicans have already had Assemblyman Jay Webber and Matt Rooney, come to campus.
Over the next few weeks, Congressman Scott Garrett and possibly Rabbi Shmuley, a New Jersey candidate for the House of Representatives, also are coming to speak to the club. "Our ultimate goal for the year is to bring Governor Christie, a Seton Hall alum, to campus; a goal we believe we will accomplish," Warneke said.
"We'd love to have anyone who is interested join us," Warneke said.
This academic year, the College Democrats are looking to raise their membership too, said Iame Manucci, the president of Seton Hall's chapter. There are still many positions open on their executive board.
Manucci, a senior diplomacy major, has been a member of the organization since her freshman year. "It is a great place to get together and openly discuss current events in a real and productive way," she said.
The College Republicans want to schedule a debate with another campus group that does not share the same political beliefs, according to Warneke.
They are also hosting viewing parties for presidential debates in the Cove so that students of different political beliefs can discuss important issues.
Similarly, The College Democrats' programs will target Democrats as well as anyone interested in national politics to join them in raising awareness.
The College Democrats are planning a program called "Are You In?" which will be held in mid-to late October. "We hope it will be a fun way to get everyone geared up for November and in the voting spirit," she said.
"We also have the opportunity to canvass during this election season and take on paid gigs around New Jersey," Manucci said. "Working with local leaders is always a good experience."
Likewise, the College Republicans campaign for different candidates throughout New Jersey every weekend. The College Democrats will be doing voter registration around campus in addition to holding some events promoting President Barrack Obama's re-election.
According to Manucci, the College Democrats plan to not only host debates for students but documentary viewings on important issues later this year.
"Regardless of political affiliation, College Democrats provides members with a great way to catch up on news and to meet people with similar interests," Manucci said.
To learn more about the College Republicans, email Chairman Matt Gilson at matthew.gilson@ student.shu.edu or Christian Warneke at christian.warneke@ student.shu.edu.
For any questions about the College Democrats, contact Iame Manucci at iame.manucci@ student.shu.edu.
The voter registration deadline in New Jersey is Oct. 16.
To register for an absentee ballot, visit www. longdistancevoter.org to download the mail-in application, due by Oct. 30.
Kristyn Lyncheski can be reached at kristyn.lyncheski@ student.shu.edu
