The Thursday election day is a constant source of controversy for students. However,students of NUI Galway have indicated that they will be making a concerted effort to vote in the upcoming presidential election.Over half of those survey said they will be voting on Thursday.
Presidential candidate Senator David Norris addressed this very issue during his visit to NUI Galway this week. Norris voiced his disappointment at the decision to have polling on a Thursday and speculated that it is a deliberate attempt to alienate the student vote.
“I think that is a great pity and I think that is done deliberately to keep young people like you from voting.” While the Thursday polling does exclude students to an extent in a recent survey students voiced their belief that it is important that they do make the effort. Morgan, an 18 year old student from Cavan said he will vote “because I can and have to have my say”.
While students showed a preference to vote some expressed disillusionment about the election. Sarah, also 18 and from Mayo doesn’t believe in the presidency, “it’s a facade”.
Earlier this month it was revealed that Michael D Higgins is the favourite among third level students. The poll of 1,962 students showed the presidential candidate as student preference. Speaking to students just last week Michael D Higgins remains firmly in the student body consciousness.
Hanna Devine, 19 and from Dublin cited her reason for voting for him because “he is the safe one”. Other students including Mary from Mayo will be voting for him for him because “he is really cute”.
Whatever the outcome one thing is clear: regardless of the Thursday vote this election has got students talking.
