College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University

Rock the vote

Catt Center sponsors two separate events to inform students on political process.
Twice in one week, the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics held events that focused on the 2004 presidential election.

Attended primarily by Iowa State students, the two events took advantage of the unique position that Iowa holds in the election process.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the Catt Center was a host site for the first presidential debate to focus on youth issues. Approximately 100 students attended the CNN broadcast of the debate, "America Rocks the Vote."

Iowa State students e-mailed questions prior to the debate, which featured all but one of the Democratic presidential candidates.

Dianne Bystrom, director of the Catt Center, provided opening comments on the role of the debates in the political process.

"This is an historical event," Bystrom said. "This is the first presidential debate ever to focus solely on youth issues."

Two days later (Thursday, Nov. 6), the Catt Center hosted a workshop on how individuals can participate in the Iowa caucuses, the first in the nation presidential selection process. The Iowa caucuses are scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19.

The event, which was taped by C-SPAN for broadcast at a later date on the national cable network, discussed the history of the caucuses and how important this process is - not only for Iowa but the nation as a whole.

"Not only is it our right as a citizen to participate, but it is our (Iowa's) responsibility to attend and participate in the caucuses," said State Sen. Mark Zieman.

Zieman was one of three panelists at the event. Iowa Secretary of State Chet Culver led the training session that also featured Gordon Fischer, Iowa Democratic Party chair.

Following presentations by the three dignitaries, they answered questions from the audience.

Culver discussed why students and others tend to shy away from participating in the caucuses.

"Generally young people say the reason they don't participate is the lack of access to the political process, not enough information about the issues, and just the 'nuts and bolts' of participating," he said. "I'm happy to be a part of a program that will give you more access, more information, and an understanding of the mechanics of the caucus system."

Fischer says Iowans have a unique opportunity that only one other state (New Hampshire) has.

"We have an opportunity to meet, interact and talk to every presidential candidate," he said. "Here we get to see presidential candidates in classrooms, our living rooms, church basements and shopping malls.

"Not only can you meet the candidates, you can also ask them your questions about your concerns."

Following the workshop, Zieman and Fischer led "mock caucuses" where representatives of the presidential candidates presented their views.