Due West residents line up to vote at the
firehouse on Main Street

Erskine Community Far from Apathetic on Election Day

As the closely contested presidential race draws to a close, many members of the Erskine community are taking a stand against apathy. Although some did not wish to be identified, all were willing to share their opinions on the presidential race, the proposed South Carolina state lottery, and civic duty.

At the Due West firehouse on Main Street, town residents are queuing up to cast their votes, and some Erskine students will drive to their hometowns to vote, while others have jumped through the necessary hoops to cast absentee ballots.

Some students who are politically active, or at least planning to vote themselves, perceive apathy among some of their peers. "Real life is awaiting, and Erskine students need to wake up to politics," said senior Adam Bruyere.

Junior Cyndi Bell dismissed the notion of apathy among younger Americans. "I do not think it is true. Being one of the 'younger Americans' I know other young ones, and I do not know of any who are not planning to vote," said Bell. "I have seen many filling out absentee ballots or making plans to get home and vote."

Freshman Daniel Speer wasn't ready to make a judgment about the extent of apathy among Erskine students, but said, "It's easy at this point in life as a student to become apathetic about what is going on around you, even though these things will affect you in the next few years."

Another student said she had awakened to civic duty during this election. "I have never been interested in politics before now," said a junior who did not wish to be named. "I will be starting an independent life in less than two years and who is voted into office will affect what type of job I will acquire, how much money I make and keep, and so forth."

Senior Chad Todd believes the rumor of widespread apathy among younger voters is untrue. "We 18-to-22-year olds are the ones who will be affected the most by some of these issues, such as the lottery," said Todd.

The lottery issue is one that draws a negative response from many students. Some view it as a moral issue, and some point out the practical drawbacks.

"I voted against the lottery because I do not believe that the money would be spent on education, and if it were I don't think I would ever see the benefits of it as a student," said Todd.

Sophomore Erin Hopkins has strong feelings against the lottery. "The lottery serves no purpose other than giving people false hopes for a chance at easy money," Hopkins said.

"I do not feel that the lottery would be beneficial to anyone in the state," said junior Bell. "Since I am a college student that they say will be affected by it I have considered it closely. The gambling itself causes problems for me. I do not like it and feel that it wastes people's time and money that could better be spent on family and bettering one's position in life."

Erskine history professor Dr. Sandra Chaney said, "It doesn't seem that it is clear-cut how the money will be spent if they do institute a lottery." Chaney said she voted against the lottery in her native state of Montana.

Chaney and Erskine history professor Dr. David Grier said they have observed more support for Bush than for Gore among Erskine students, but at least one Erskine student differed from many of her peers.

"All I can say is that Bush does not in my opinion have adequate experience to hold the highest office in the country," said the Erskine junior, who did not wish to be identified.

Speer said, "I believe Goerge Bush is more compatible with my own personal beliefs than Al Gore would be." He said major issues influencing his decision are "the pro-life issue and integrity."

Bush supporter Bruyere, who has a keen interest in politics, is predicting a Bush win. "Bush helped himself in the debates simply by holding his ground against a supposedly more articulate and charismatic Gore. And so many states are up in the air that in August or September were strongly pro-Gore–this will contribute to an eventual Bush win."

Bell, who believes Bush comes closer to her own beliefs than does Gore, said she does not really enjoy arguing about politics. "I usually don't debate politics or really discuss it even. I think that my beliefs are my beliefs and I don't think talking it over with other people who get argumentative will change my mind."

Central election-day concerns for Erskine students range from abortion to funding for the arts, from the environment to school vouchers. All those interviewed agree that their faith commitment plays a large role in their exercise of their right to vote.

"By voting and making my beliefs known, I stand up for my faith," said Bell.

"I see definite relationships between my faith commitment and voting. I believe that it is important for Christians to vote, and even run for office," said Hopkins. "If more Christians step in and take a stand, it will make a difference some day."

"Moral values and your personal commitment to your faith are definitely to be considered in voting," said another student who did not wish to be identified.

"We should actively seek those we believe to hold Christian values for our nation to put into office," said Bruyere.

Despite disagreements about their choices for the presidential race and strongly held beliefs, it seems that Erskine students retain a sense of humor. Grier reported that some of his students (presumably Bush supporters) filled his office with balloons and glitter, and left him a gift of a large Bush sign.

"They also spread peanut hulls all over the place and left elephant tracks," Grier said. In an attempt at clean-up, Grier said he makes every student who comes to see him take a couple of balloons away with them.