WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 30, 2024 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
VOLUME 117 | ISSUE 6
What to Expect on Election Day Who Are Students Voting For? Lauren Armstrong
Co-News Editors
*Due to the content of the article, all individuals will remain anonymous. Harris, Trump, a third party candidate, or not to vote at all. This is the question that is circulating the minds of people registered to vote in this upcoming election. For Villanova students, they are faced with the same dilemma, and time is running out to decide before the Presidential election on Nov. 5th. While it may seem like everyone is leaning either left or right, there is a significantly large pool of Villanovans who are deciding not to vote at all, in addition to those deciding to vote third party. Villanova students registered to vote spoke to The Villanovan about their plans for election day, and to inform their fellow Villanovans on why they are voting for certain candidates in just six days. A junior Communication major shared “as of now I most likely will not be voting. This may change as we get closer to Election Day, but probably will not. My main reason for this is that I am not pleased with any of the candidates - I know there is no perfect candidate, but with Harris and Trump, I don’t fully agree with either of the policies and plans, especially looking at Continued on p. 16
be a wait to enter the polls? How does the voting process actually work? Hally Ammons, Assistant Director of Government With election day and Community Relations just six days away, many at Villanova, addressed these Villanovans are preparing concerns, explaining how to cast their ballots in the Election Day will unfold for 2024 general election. This year, registered student voters on-campus voters. Before entering the living on campus will have Mullen Center, voters will the new and exciting opportunity to vote at the Villanova likely encounter individuals or groups near the front of the Mullen Center for the Performing Arts, which stands at building. These groups may include Villanova groups, the intersection of Lancaster like Let’s Vote ‘Nova, as well Avenue and Ithan Avenue. While many first-time as external groups, such as volunteers for political parties voters at Villanova are eager to cast their ballots on Nov. 5, or members of campaigns. some may feel a general sense Ammons clarified that while of uncertainty. What will elec- these groups are permitted to station themselves outtion day look like? Will there Zoe Garrett Political Columnist
Villanovans prepare to vote for the presidential candidate in just a week. Courtesy of Villanovan Digital & Shutterstock
side the polling place, they must remain 10 feet from the entrance of the building. She also said that while these groups are technically allowed to be in front of the Mullen Center, no voters are required to engage with these external groups. “You do not have to take anything these campaign workers want to give you, and you don’t have to engage with them,” she said. “You can simply walk into the building, vote, and leave.” Once arriving at the Mullen Center, Ammons describes what she expects to be a typical voting experience. “When voters arrive, they will come through the front doors of the Mullen Center, and the
two precincts will be set up in the lobby,” she said. “There will likely be tables set up in the lobby where voters can check in with a poll worker. They will give their name and show their ID– this is something that’s really important.” Ammons emphasized that on-campus voters bring a valid form of identification to the Mullen Center. “Everyone will need to show an ID,” she said. “A student’s Wildcard, their school ID, is sufficient. You can also use your Pennsylvania driver’s license if you have one, or your passport.” After checking in, the poll workers will direct voters to either Precinct 1 or Precinct 2. Continued on p.15
A Villanovan’s Guide to the Ballot Isabella Balian
Political Columnist
With just six days until the election, it’s time to start doing some research on who is on the ballot, what they are running for and what they believe in. Depending on one’s exact address, the eligible candidates to vote for may differ. The Villanovan has compiled a summarized list of the eligible candidates and positions to make this
process a bit easier. Starting at the top of the ticket, Villanovans will be able to vote for the President of the United States.
With a two-party system, we mostly hear about the main candidates of the Democratic and Republican parties. However, there are more
Villanovans are casting informed votes on key positions. Courtesy of Shutterstock
than two people running. The Democratic candidate running is current Vice President Kamala Harris. Vice President Harris started out as a District Attorney for San Francisco City, then ran for Attorney General of California. She then became a United States Senator for California, and now she serves as the Vice President of the United States. Harris cites her legislative priorities as cutting Continued on p. 17
University Named in Financial Aid Lawsuit p. 2
Villanova to Begin Reusable To-Go Box Program p. 4
Impact of Pro-Life Crosses at Villanova p. 7
Sof Says: Who Cares About the World Series p. 12
Securing the Vote: Election Integrity in Action p. 15
The 2024 Election: How do Villanova Freshmen Feel p. 17
VillaVogue Halloween p. 21
Special Olympics Fall Festival Preview p. 22
Rowing Shows Out at Head of the Schuylkill p. 28
Men’s Basketball Gears Up for 3-Game Week p. 29