California State University, Bakersfield and Associated Students, Inc leaders hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for CSUB’s new ballot drop off box on Feb. 14.
The ballot drop box is located in the Student Union patio at CSUB, making voting accessible for CSUB students, faculty, and members of the community. It will be open and under surveillance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CSUB also provides several temporary parking spots, where anyone can park to drop off their ballot.
“When you think about being on a college campus and you think about the youth vote, you may not think that it makes a difference, but the thing is us older adults, we screw up and you’re left with those policies… here is the opportunity for you to make corrections where we didn’t get it right and we’re not getting it right,” said Dr. Jeanine Kraybill, CSUB’s department chair of political science.
“Voters between the ages of 18 to 24 are the most underrepresented among California’s voting electorate,” said interim president, Dr. Vernon B. Harper Jr.
Harper says, “Between classes, work, and several jobs for many, family responsibilities and more, students are stretched often times to the breaking point.”
Having the ballot drop box on campus allows for a more convenient way for students to cast their vote and make their voices heard. The permanent ballot drop box was installed as part of California’s Voter’s Choice Act, making voting more accessible in California.
Taylor Thomas, vice president of legislative affairs for CSUB says that there are times when “students don’t know what’s available to them.”
Students often are not aware of the locations of ballot drop boxes throughout the community so “having this box on campus is such an accessible way for students to not only know that it’s there for them but to encourage them to vote as well,” said Thomas.
ASI president, Daisy Alamillo, agrees that the location of the drop box is convenient, “especially for a housing student.”, meaning a student who lives on campus in the dorms.
“With the convenience of the permanent ballot box here on campus, we are hoping that it would be more convenient for our students to just drop it off, so we are hoping more student engagement regarding voting,” said Alamillo.
Having the ballot box placed at CSUB “reinforces the vital role that students play in shaping the future of our democracy,” said Aimee X. Espinoza, Kern County’s registrar of voters.
Espinoza assures that the ballot box is always under surveillance and that, “every ballot deposited here is safe and protected.”
“I want to assure everyone of the security and integrity of this ballot drop box and every ballot drop box across Kern County,” said Espinoza.
Espinoza reminds those who have not yet registered to vote that the last day to register for the presidential primary election is Feb. 20, or you can conditionally register in person up to election day. The deadline to drop off a ballot at a ballot drop box, the mail, a polling site, or Espinoza’s office is election day, March 5.
Approaching election day, “Every Wednesday during Runner Hour, from 12 to 1pm, on the Student Union Patio, ASI will be here and available to register students to vote,” said Thomas.
“We are hoping with ASI we’re able to create more civically engaged events, where students can learn about the importance of voting and the importance of making sure that your vote counts on next year’s election,” said Alamillo.
Kern County Supervisor, David Couch challenged everyone to “vote as though your vote is the one that will decide each and every race each and every day.”
He explains that this means two things, voting, and getting to know the candidates you are voting for in order to be an educated voter.
“I know you can do it, because you’re getting educated right now,” said Couch.
