Get-out-the-vote rally on October 26

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
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Posted: Oct 21, 2010

To reverse a statewide trend in low voter turnout, and to raise issues of importance to the University community by voting in the General Election, a UH Mānoa “Use Your Voice, Use Your Vote” rally will be held on the lawn fronting Hawai‘i Hall (facing Varney Circle) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26.
 
The free, public rally is a non-partisan effort encouraging eligible voters to exercise their right to vote. There will be live music, informational and voter registration booths, giveaways of signed Jack Johnson CDs, and free light refreshments.
 
Hawaiian Studies Professor Jon Kamakawiwoole Osorio will serve as emcee. There will be a short line-up of speakers drawn from all sectors of the UH Mānoa community, who will address issues of importance in the upcoming election.
 
When Hawaii became a state in 1959, voter turnout was 84% in the primary election, one of the highest rates in the U.S.  By the 2008 primary, turnout in the islands was down to 37%, among the lowest rates in the country.
 
Legislative decisions significantly affect the quality and affordability of public higher education in the State of Hawai‘i, as well as other issues of concern to the University and beyond.
 
Co-sponsors of the rally include the University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly, Graduate Students Organization, Kanu Hawai‘i and KTUH radio.  
 
For more information, please contact Nandita Sharma at 384-1426 (nsharma@hawaii.edu) or Craig Howes at 348-0001 (craighow@hawaii.edu).