UCO Students Hold Presidential Debate Watch Party

EDMOND, OK--Many University of Central Oklahoma students gathered at the Nigh University Center to watch Wednesday night's presidential debate.

"I think it's important for people to be informed about what they're voting for," said Laura Caroselli, a member of the UCO Debate Team.

The UCO Debate Team has organized several debate watch parties and public forums to help students engage in the political process.

"Students really need to make their votes matter in this election in particular," said Tess Botkin, another member of the UCO Debate Team.

Botkin says Wednesday night's debate resonates with many students in particular, because it focuses on the economy.

"Many students who are graduating from college are going to need to know if they are going to have job placement," Botkin explained, "or if they're still in college, pell grant funding has become huge this election."

Although job creation and education debt are at the forefront for many young voters, many students are also concerned about health care and birth control this election cycle.

"I think I am going to be most interested in listening to what they're talking about in terms of women's issues," said Caroselli, those are especially important to me."

Regardless of who they vote for, the UCO Debate Team hopes their events will encourage more students to submit their ballots this November.

"As the time gets closer, we're adults now," said Botkin, "we need to start thinking about how we become involved in politics." UCO Students Hold Presidential Debate Watch Party

Posted: Wednesday, October 3 2012, 10:34 PM CDT