University News
WIU Mock Presidential Election Opening Night Relocates to Macomb Campus
September 30, 2011
MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – The Mock Presidential Election (MPE), "The Road to the White House Starts at Western Illinois University," has been consolidated from six to five nights on the WIU-Macomb campus.
"The first night's events, originally scheduled for Oct. 19 at the i wireless center in Moline, will be folded into the first session on the Macomb campus on Tuesday, Oct. 25 in the University Union Grand Ballroom," said Rick Hardy, co-director of the MPE.
Sessions will be held Thursday, Oct. 27; Tuesday, Nov. 1; Thursday, Nov. 3; and the 2011 Mock Presidential Election will conclude Monday, Nov. 7 in Western Hall with a 6:30-8:30 p.m. "America Elects a President" session.
"I'm pleased that WIU-Quad Cities will be partnering with students in Macomb to make this event a great success. The Mock Presidential Election is an excellent way for students and faculty to become more civically engaged," said Jeff Ash, a WIU-QC graduate education student and co-director of MPE activities in the Quad Cities.
"In 2007, the event actually served as an accurate predictor of our nation's next leader when students selected President Obama, demonstrating that the road to the White House truly does run through Western Illinois University. I am proud to have been presented with the opportunity to work on such a great project, and I'm optimistic about its positive effect on students from both campuses," Ash added.
Ash said he wants to set an example for his generation to get involved in what happens in the country. The WIU mock election is the largest and most elaborate simulated presidential election in the nation, he added.
"People my age are not getting involved enough. This is a great way to get educated about civic activities," he said. "A lot of people don't consider candidates and issues. It (the presidential election) affects everyone. I feel like I am doing my duty to engage students to get involved."
"Our 2007 Mock Presidential Election was a smashing success, and this year's event promises to be even bigger and better," said John Hemingway, MPE co-director. "Western Illinois University remains committed to being a national leader in promoting civic engagement."
For more information, contact Hardy at (309) 298-2228 or email RJ-Hardy@wiu.edu.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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