UB To Host Kids Voting Day Activities Sept. 28

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Western New York's young adults will get a chance to speak their minds at UB on National Kids Voting Day.

Approximately 500 students from 75 high schools in Erie and Niagara counties will convene at Alumni Arena and Baird and Slee halls on the North Campus Sept. 28 to participate in a half-day conference on voting behavior and civic responsibility.

The event was organized by Kids Voting WNY, a non-profit voter-education program where students under the voting age participate in a curriculum about the electoral process. The organization receives support from 11 sponsors -- called "corporate champions of democracy" -- including UB.

Molly Thompson, executive director of Kids Voting WNY, says the organization isn't about promoting political candidates, but rather, making young adults aware of the issues.

Students attending the event will be polled concerning issues of interest to their age group, listen to speakers, view a new Kids Voting video and exchange political views in small group discussions facilitated by UB students.

Students participating in the event, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., also will be polled on party-platform preferences and a host of development issues concerning Buffalo's future.

Mary Gresham, Ph.D., vice president for public service and urban affairs, says the event is aimed at reducing voter apathy among young people.

"It's a national movement to try to rekindle interest in civic behavior," she said.

In addition to the Office of Public Service and Urban Affairs, UB sponsors of the event include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Admissions, the Office of the Provost and the Division of University Services.

Kids Voting WNY is part of the national organization Kids Voting USA.