With the political storms already raging on the national scene, most college-age voters tend to agree: We’ve made up our minds.

Bumper stickers, rally signs, “Chose or Loose,” “Rock the Vote,” among other slogans have permeated into our everyday lives, a marked change from past election years.

In the 2000 contest, only 42 percent of registered voters between 18-25 according to Federal Election Commission.

The leaders of UTM’s political parties recognize the power of the college student vote, and are quickly mobilizing their efforts to sway opinions.

Christin Hayes, president of the College Republicans and Wil Hammond, president of the College Democrats both see UTM as a hot bed for activism.

“Most of the students I speak with are very interested in the political process, especially in an election year,” Hayes says.

“Student, faculty and staff are interested and concerned about the direction our country is heading,” Hammond says.

Both organizations have committed to working alongside the Student Government Association in the coming days on voter registration drive.

Combined with applications from Freshman Welcome Week, about 250 voter registrations have been collected by SGA, Dean said.

“The number one goal here is to get students registered to vote,” SGA president Dusty Dean said. “Next, we want to work with these organizations to inform students about the candidates.”

College political parties to tackle the issues

This election year, The Pacer will be offering a series of Op/Ed page debates on a variety of topics affecting college students.

Each week, UTM College Republicans and UTM College Democrats will submit a 250-350 word column explaining how their candidate would or has tackled these issues.

Third-party groups are also invited to submit columns as well. All submissions will be edited for content and length. Shenkman to give seminar

The SGA, SAC and Office of Multicultural Affairs are to present Rick Shenkman’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective Voters” seminar tonight at 7 p.m in Watkins Auditorium (UC).

Shenkman is the New York Times best-selling author of Presidential Ambition: How the Presidents Gained Power, Kept Power & Got Things Done.

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UTM College Democrats Chapter President: Wil Hammond (Martin, Tenn.) Membership: 115 members (as reported) Faculty Adviser: Luther Mercer E-mail & Web Site: utmdems@mars.utm.edu, mars.utm.edu/~utmdems/ Meetings: 5 p.m. Thursdays University Center

UTM College Republicans Chapter President: Christin Hayes (Martin, Tenn.) Membership: 122 members (as reported) Faculty Adviser: Dr. Jerald Ogg E-mail & Web Site: chrahaye@mars.utm.edu, mars.utm.edu/~republic/ Meetings: 8 p.m. Thursdays University Center