The University of Idaho Argonaut

Three weeks from today, thousands of Latah County residents and University of Idaho students will head to the polls to choose their elected officials. All of us have the opportunity to become involved via the active, organized Latah County Democrat and Republican groups, but students at UI are underserved when it comes to groups to call their own.

Aside from the obvious lack of partisan political opportunities and events on-campus, both the College Republicans and College Democrats have ASUI-funded Web sites that include contact information for club officers — from 2005 and 2006, respectively.

Visitors to the College Republicans Web site are met with instructions on donating aid for Hurricane Katrina victims. The College Democrats’ site features the 2006 party platform and dead links to voting information and a list of upcoming events — things students of any political persuasion could use.
Former club officers who have long since graduated said they are getting tired of being contacted for information regarding the clubs they haven’t been involved with for years. It’s unfair to these individuals to have to be the ones to turn away students looking for current information.

Students pay for these clubs in part with the fees they pay to UI each semester, and the university has no shortage of politically-minded individuals.
Why is it so difficult for students to organize party groups? Is it apathy? Are we all so open-minded, we don’t need party affiliations?
KUOI, ASUI and the Campus Christian Center have hosted nonpartisan political interviews and events this semester, and their efforts deserve recognition. However, these events primarily serve to inform undecided students — they don’t necessarily include student activity or opportunities for activism.

Even though Idaho is considered solid Republican territory, Moscow is another story. The city is a complex, diverse mix of Idaho conservatism and liberal concerns for society and the environment. To not have student representation for either party, especially in an election year, is disappointing.