UB Athletes Do Their Part For Upcoming Election

Over 100 first-time voters register to make their voices heard

BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo Student-Athletes came together to register to vote and to fill out absentee ballots before the election deadlines in Alumni Arena. All told, more than 115 student-athletes who were previously unregistered made sure that they are eligible to vote tomorrow.

With the “Red & Blue” football game taking place the night of Tuesday November 4, 2008, as Buffalo hosts Miami (OH) at 7:30 pm at UB Stadium, the athletes were motivated to not only show support and interest in their school, but also their futures.

“I feel as if this election is a big make-or-break point for my future,” Jillian Bliss a pole vaulter on the track and field team said, “so I felt even more motivated to take action, and let my voice be heard.”

The athletes also developed more pride in each other. “It made me proud to walk into study table and look at the computer screen next to me, and see people getting registered,” said Kimarie Black, a native Californian and member of the track and field team who signed up to vote with an absentee ballot. “So often people describe our generation as being very apathetic, and after seeing how many people took action, I knew that wasn’t true.”

There was also major support from the Academic Staff as well as the coaches. They helped by encouraging the teams to take the necessary steps in order to be active in this upcoming election.

Written By Jessica Cooper