Despite the six hour lines and widespread disappointment with the results of last year’s presidential election, there are indications that a significant number of Oberlin College students will vote alongside Oberlin residents again in the state and local elections this Nov. 8.

Local political organizations such as the Oberlin College Democrats, Ohio PIRG, and the League of Women Voters are attempting to maximize student voter turnout by promoting awareness of issues. These groups have contributed to student politicization by organizing debates, providing summaries of issues and registering voters.

These organizations are optimistic about student voter turnout on Nov. 8.

“Large crowds at our weekly meetings indicate that people are not beaten down,” said junior Charlie Sohne, co-chair of the Oberlin College Democrats. “They’re ready for another fight and for six more fights if that’s what it takes.”

However, large student voter turnout may be greeted with anger and frustration by many community members, as some believe that students should not become involved in local politics.

“There is sentiment that students should be discouraged from voting,” said Daniel Gardner, current city council president who is up for reelection on Nov. 8. “I do not share that sentiment, but it certainly exists.”

Gardner attributes the discomfort with student involvement in local politics partly to many of the town residents’ negative perception of students.

“Rising college tuition puts some in the community in the mindset that all students are aloof, arrogant and entitled,” said Gardner. “Community members don’t understand that most students don’t pay full tuition.”

Another major issue is that of taxes.

“It’s notable that the college is exempt from property taxes and most students do not pay wage taxes,” Gardner said. “Consequently, there’s sentiment in the community that students vote for taxes they don’t have to pay.”

Sophomore Jeff Connor, the chair of Ohio PIRG, gave further reasons for students to get involved.

“Many students do choose to stay in Oberlin and pay taxes after they graduate, and they have and will continue to further the growth of the downtown.”

These facts put candidates in the tricky situation of trying to gain the student vote while not angering community members who are not in favor of student political involvement.

“Candidates still have a difficult time publicly seeking the student vote” because community members accuse politicians of “courting a vote that shouldn’t be there in the first place,” Gardner explained. “As a candidate, it would be foolish for me not to make an effort to reach out to the students.”

Although students absolutely have the right to vote, authorities stress that this right should not be abused. There is a strong sentiment that when students vote, they have an obligation to make educated decisions based on the needs of the whole community.

“Students have a special responsibility to make an informed choice,” said Gardner.

These thoughts were echoed by Mary Van Nortwick of the League of Women Voters, who said, “I urge students who are going to vote to make sure you know what the issues are. Don’t vote carelessly.”

Sohne spoke of voting as a way to promote greater integration of College students into the Oberlin community.

“Oberlin students should feel citizenship in the town,” he said. “Electoral politics is a great way to get involved, not just to impose our will on the town.”

“Oberlin students and Oberlin College are an integral part of the town of Oberlin,” said Van Nortwick.

“I can’t think of anything better than a thoughtful group of students voting on issues that matter to everyone