Ryan Plunkett and Don Stone cannot agree on much when it comes to political parties, but they both agree students should practice their right to vote.

“Students should vote no matter what the party because it’s your government, it’s your country,” Stone said.

Plunkett, president of Eastern College Democrats and a sophomore political science major, and Don Stone, president of Eastern College Republicans and a senior history and pre-law major, each hope students will vote for their party, but said they just want people to vote, regardless of political party.

“Set the alarm on your phone, make a memo, write on your hand; do something. Be there at the polls on November 2nd,” Plunkett said.

Plunkett said this year early voting is occurring on campuses throughout the month of October.

Students who still have not registered to vote can register and vote up until Thursday Oct. 28 during early voting.

To promote early voting the Eastern College Democrats have chalked the campus, passed out fliers and held a rally in the quad to promote voting.

“I know a lot of people in college aren’t interested in politics because they can’t see how it affects them, but it’s just one of those things that if we don’t turn out and certain people get elected you’ll see it and it’ll be a bit too late,” Plunkett said.

The Eastern College Republicans have also promoted voting through campaigning for candidates this past year; placing signs throughout the county, walking with campaign groups for Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, and Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, in the homecoming parade as well as going door to door with fliers.

EIU College Republicans have also held a voter registration drive in order to promote student voters to come to the polls.

“It’s not just a right, it’s a duty for people to vote,” Stone said.

He said a total of 11 people have signed up at the drive, but is unsure how many will vote Republican.

Before heading to the polls, Stone said students should research the candidates running and find a candidate that takes the same views as them on this election’s issues.

Both Plunkett and Stone said the economy is a main issue students should be aware of when they vote. Plunkett also said students should be concerned with voting because education is one of the first things to take a hit when budgets are cut.

“If you’re really worried about your finances, or you pay for your own schooling, this is an important election for you,” Plunkett said.

Stone also said how money is being spent is a major issue students should be aware of this coming election.

“The biggest thing in this election is probably the economy and the extreme government spending,” Stone said.

Students can learn more about these issues at a debate held by the EIU College Democrats and Republicans at 7 p.m. Thursday in the lecture hall of the Physical Science Building.

Sam Bohne can be reached at 581-7942 or shbohne@eiu.edu.