Annie Kehler
With the election right around the corner on November 4th, Illinois Wesleyan has been a hotspot for Democratic candidates to visit and talk with students.
On Monday Oct. 27, Governor Quinn held a press conference at Illinois Wesleyan with President Wilson announcing a $1.1 million capital investment grant for IWU from the state of Illinois. The grant will help the University pay for fire safety systems and bring residents halls up to code, as is required by law, but incredibly expensive.
During his press conference, Quinn talked about the importance of investing in higher education and making college more affordable for students.
“This investment will help Illinois Wesleyan stay competitive so current and future students can have a great learning experience and make a difference in the world,” said Governor Quinn. “We are pleased to help Illinois Wesleyan address their needs while creating jobs and driving our economy forward.”
On Tuesday, the IWU College Democrats hosted former Chief Judge Ann Callis on campus to talk with students about her campaign for Congress. Joining Callis was Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky from Chicago.
During their visit, Callis and Schakowsky talked about the importance of young people making their voices heard at the ballot box and getting involved in elections.
“I love coming to Illinois Wesleyan, the campus is always beautiful and the students are so engaged in the process,” said Callis. “Every time I’m here, I hear students tell me about how they’re ready for a member of Congress who represents their views. I’m so inspired by the many student volunteers who are working hard to get out the vote.”
“I think their visits show that Pat Quinn and Ann Callis care a lot about students and the policies that impact us,” said IWU College Democrats President senior Brexton Isaacs, “while both Quinn and Callis have been on campus a number of times in the last two years, Bruce Rauner and Rodney Davis haven’t been on campus even once.”
The visits this week marked Governor Quinn’s second visit to campus in the last year and Judge Callis’ sixth visit.
“It’s cool that we get to meet candidates in person and talk with them about issues,” said first-year Lane Bennett, a member of College Democrats, “they both relate to students really well and their visits reflect that.”
“Most people don’t get the chance to meet their elected officials, so it’s great that we have that opportunity,” said College Democrats member sophmore Maggie Krause.
Students who live on campus will be able to vote in the Hansen Student Center on November 4 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Students who live off campus will be able to vote at Hansen or at First Christian Church, 401 W Jefferson St., depending on where they live. You can find your polling places at bit.ly/1jj23dZ.