Politics as usual: Campus buzzes with activities

Political activity is humming at and around the university as the presidential election looms closer.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson swung through Madison Oct. 20 to help raise awareness of the upcoming election. At a Library Mall rally, Jackson urged a partisan crowd to “get out of the bushes” and vote.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, and challenger John Sharpless, a university history professor and Republican, squared off at the Memorial Union Oct. 22 for a debate in their race to win the Second District congressional seat.

And Vice President Al Gore is scheduled to visit the state capital Thursday, Oct. 26, the only presidential candidate to stop in Madison since Ralph Nader spoke at the Orpheum Theater Sept. 20.

Meanwhile, Republican nominee George W. Bush has visited a number of Wisconsin communities and other prominent politicians are criss-crossing the state. The Nov. 7 election also includes races for U.S. Senate, state Senate and Assembly, among other contests. Some communities may have their own elections or referendum questions as well.

So, you wonder, how can you getinvolved? Voters can register with local clerks before 5 p.m. on the second preceding the election. That’s today, Oct. 25.

But you also can register at the polls on election day. Bring identification giving your complete name and address. Acceptable forms of identification include a Wisconsin driver’s license, Wisconsin ID card, library card, check cashing or courtesy card issued by a merchant, real estate tax bill or receipt, or a gas, electric or telephone service statement dated less than 90 days prior to the election.

In addition, absentee voting is allowed if you expect to be traveling on election day, if you are 70 or over, too sick to go to the polls, have a physical disability, or anticipate other circumstances that will keep you from voting Nov. 7. All applications for absentee ballots must be made in writing either by mail or in the office of the municipal clerk. You can vote by mail or at the clerk’s office.