College is a major milestone in life for many students attending Garden City Community College. Many new changes and experiences contribute to becoming adults. This year in particular brings upon new decisions and experiences as the presidential election approaches. This Tuesday on National Registration Day, the SGA partnered with TRIO and hosted Constitution Day.  

“The purpose of this event is to spread the importance of voting and how to register to do it,” Raquel Cuevas said. 

Constitution Day was hosted outside, in front of the library from 11am to 1pm. At the event, volunteer and poll worker, Christie Grayber helped out the attending students looking to register themselves to vote. At her table eventgoers were able to register right there through a physical paper form from the Finney County Election Office. These forms could be filled out and given to Grayber on the spot. Registration could also be done online as cards with QR codes, that when scanned allowed attendees to register themselves to vote online or check if they are registered already.  

Another table was also set up where free cookies were given out after checking in and information regarding how to register or confirm registration to vote. There was also a QR code that allowed attendees to participate in the Constitution Day quiz. The participants who managed to get a perfect score of ten out of ten were entered into a drawing to win one of several baskets filled with various prizes. 

Constitution Day is normally an annual event set up at the college by SGA members and this year they received additional assistance from members of TRIO.  

“SGA mostly handles the constitution day event, however since this is an election year, we decided to help and sponsor the event,” Dana Nanninga said. 

Entering the library TRIO provided dry erase markers for guests to write on the glass window of the main entrance. Here students would be given the chance to write down their thoughts and feelings regarding what registering to vote and voting in general means to them. 

“We had done a similar idea before for other events and love it when students can share their experiences and ideas about the topic,” Nanninga said.
Having these resources at an easily accessible disposal is incredibly valuable for many students who may not have the opportunity or information to do so otherwise. The ability to vote in the United States is a major responsibility and right given to its citizens. For many new college students, it is a big step into adulthood. The act of registering to vote is a vital step toward allowing that voice to be heard and seen.