FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 16, 2008

Contact: Shaunica Pridgen, (812) 360-1418

INDIANA YOUNG DEMOCRATS STATEMENT ON BALL STATE UNIVERSITY VOTING SITE

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Young Democrats President Shaunica Pridgen issued a statement today on the ongoing controversy surrounding on-campus early voting at Ball State University in Muncie:

"With turnout expected to increase to 65% statewide and a record number of youth and college students voting nationwide, we should be making access to the polls as easy as possible for anyone who wishes to exercise their rights.

While a Republican member of the Delaware County Election Board has cited security and staffing concerns, similar efforts at other Indiana public universities have been successful, with on-campus early voting sites during the primary at both Indiana University - Bloomington and Purdue University in West Lafayette.

Having worked traditional early voting sites in the past, and having witnessed the process in Bloomington during this year's primary, I know that on-campus voting sites are as secure as traditional early voting locations.

The demand for early voting on campus was clear from the number of people in line. It's convenient for not only students, but also university staff and those who live close to campus.

As evidenced by the bipartisan collegiate support for the site, this isn't about Democrats or Republicans gaining an edge. This is about making it easier for young people to become more involved in the electoral process. We join the Ball State College Democrats, the Ball State College Republicans and the University itself to urge unanimous approval of the on-campus early voting site."

The Indiana Young Democrats is the official youth outreach arm of the Indiana Democratic Party and is affiliated with the Young Democrats of America. Its mission is to promote the involvement of young people in the electoral process and the Democratic Party. For more information, contact us at info@indianayoungdemocrats.com.

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