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USF students can now walk to voting site on campus

Posted at 5:06 PM, Oct 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-22 17:53:01-04

TAMPA, Fla. — Students at USF can now walk to their early voting site on campus. Some students believe it could be key in getting more young people to cast a ballot.

"That’s extremely convenient especially when some people don’t have cars on campus and have classes every day of the week,” said Josie Hidalgo, a freshman at USF.

"Right here on this campus, today is election day,” said Andrew Gillum, candidate for Fl Governor, as he spoke during a rally Monday.

He and other Democratic candidates, plus former Vice President Joe BIden took advantage of students ability to vote on campus for the first time ever.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you have such an enormous opportunity, such an enormous opportunity,” said Biden.

Hidalgo and her friend Bri Dupre came to see the rally.

"I want to hear what these people have to say and be involved,” Hidalgo said.

The USF voting site was added to the list after a judge ruled in July early voting could take place on college campuses. 

Lots of people don’t think that their voice counts when voting but as we saw before it definitely can,” she said. "Even the slightest percentage makes a difference."

Bob Camel and other students demonstrated outside the rally in support of Republicans. He doesn't agree with Gillum's plan to fix healthcare and stands with current immigration policies but says being an informed voter is crucial. 

“I don’t care if people disagree with my views, I just want them to get out and do their civic duty. They need to let their voice be heard. That’s what can change this country,” Camel said.

The USF polling siteis open to all registered Hillsborough county voters until Election day, after that it’s open to folks in Precinct 353.