On Tuesday, Sept. 17, PennWest held an event titled “Come Learn About the Republican and Democratic National Party Conventions – a Student Experience” across its three campuses and via Zoom. This initiative celebrated Constitution Day and National Voter Registration Day, engaging the PennWest community in meaningful discussions centered around the political landscape of the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election, as seen through the eyes of PennWest political science majors who attended the conventions.
PennWest faculty member Kevan Yenerall led the live panel discussion, emphasizing the importance of student voices in understanding the electoral process. Additionally, the panel was supported by the League of Women Voters of Clarion, which provided information about voter registration in Pennsylvania.
“We’re studying the presidential election in real-time, and our PennWest students were actually at the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention,” Yenerall noted.
This summer, six dedicated PennWest students attended either the RNC in Milwaukee or the DNC in Chicago, working closely with the Pennsylvania State Democratic Party and the Pennsylvania State Republican Party. Their experiences offered a unique perspective on the inner workings of political conventions and the nuances of party politics.
Marissa Bard, a student studying on the Clarion campus, shared her firsthand experiences at the RNC. She highlighted her interactions with candidates, delegates, and political figures.
“I completed a rigorous preparatory course that included reading articles, watching videos, and writing essays, which helped me understand what to expect,” Bard explained. “I spent a lot of time talking one-on-one with candidates and understanding how they navigated their political careers.”
California student, Sydney Speicher, attended the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
“I learned a lot just about what the purposes of national conventions is, and what they serve as a purpose in the overall concept of an election,” Speicher said.
The culmination of these experiences and discussions not only shed light on the conventions themselves, but also served as a reminder of the importance of participation in the democratic process. As the students concluded their presentations, it was evident that their involvement at the conventions significantly impacted their understanding of American politics and the electoral system.
Reflecting on the broader implications of their experiences, the panelists noted that conventions are not merely ceremonial; they are pivotal events that shape party platforms and influence voter perception. The RNC and DNC serve as platforms for candidates to present their visions, and for parties to showcase their unity and commitment to key issues.
Yenerall encouraged attendees to take advantage of resources available to them, particularly regarding voter registration.
“If you are not registered, you can visit Vote411.org to find out if you’re registered to vote,” he stated.
This event not only celebrated Constitution Day and National Voter Registration Day, but also exemplified the important role students play in American politics today. As they continue to navigate the complexities of the electoral system, the experiences shared at this panel discussion will undoubtedly inspire further dialogue and engagement leading up to the upcoming elections.
