Democratic Candidates Make Last Pitch for Youth's Vote

11/5/2012 (Updated 10:56:45 PM)

(Source: Kate Thornton)

For many Binghamton University Seniors, November 6th will be a milestone.

It will be the first time many are eligible to cast their vote for the President of the United States.

"I was just too young the first time," said BU Senior Zachary Elkind.

"It is nice to see the fact that I'm going to be the one to cast a vote for Barak Obama so I can say that one vote was mine," said BU Senior Dane Jackson.

"It's an honor to be able to get in the voting booth, have my rights as a woman, as a student and know my voice is going to be heard," said BU Senior  Megan Apper.

But the young democrats didn't attend Democratic Candidates Night for Obama, they wanted to hear town, county, state, and federal Democratic candidates' last pitch for their vote.

The candidates who attended were Paul Logalbo, Dan Reynolds, Tarik Abdelazim, John Orzel, Donna Lupardo, and Dan Lamb.

"I like to think that we do matter and our voices are heard so it's cool for them to come talk to us," said Elkind.

"My first intent coming here tonight was to connect with them about the importance of this election at the federal level," 22nd Congressional District Candidate Dan Lamb.

"People are listening to the students, and they should," said the newly formed 4th Broome County Legislature District Dan Reynolds.

Each candidate outlined their views and plans which touched on issues important to youth including student loans.

But, there was also discussion on a topic that has been an issue among many age groups, hydrofracking.

Each Democrat candidate in attendance Monday night urged either caution, or expressed outright opposition towards fracking.

"The decisions that we're going to make in the next year or two on this issue is going to be very important to them and affect them dearly about their environment, their safety, and health," said Vestal Town Council candidate Paul Logalbo.

"Clearly the county is going to play a role in that with the County Health Department, probably playing a pivotal role for any regulatory framework the state sets up.  It's important that you have someone that is free of the influence of the industry," said Broome County Executive candidate Tarik Abdelazim.

Students nodded in approval of the unified front against hydrofracking.

"It's good to see that consistent message all the way through, saying we're opposed to this, opposed to the special interest money for the oil and gas companies that our health is not worth it," said BU Senior David Blair.

"I'm from the city.  It can affect me.  It can affect me here because I go to school here, so it's a pretty big issue that I don't think gets enough national attention.  I'm glad there was a lot of focus here tonight," said Jackson.

VIEW VIDEO