From delegates to superdelegates, professors in the department of political science will discuss the processes of the presidential primaries.
Hosted by the Hinckley Institute of Politics, the event will take place on March 1 and coincides with Super Tuesday, when 12 states elect delegates to represent individual candidates and report to the national conventions of both the Democratic and Republican parties. States voting that day are Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Virginia. Utah’s election will be on March 22.
Mark Button, the chair of the department of political science and event organizer, said they plan to analyze the primary system and the issues faced by candidates of both parties.
For nearly 10,000 students between the ages of 18 and 21 at the U, this will be their first time voting in a presidential election. Collin Bess, chair of the College Republicans at the U, said it’s important for students, “especially from our generation, to be active, involved and engaged in the political process.”
“Students need to explore all candidates’ platform positions and leadership qualities before making an informed decision on who to support,” Bess said.
The College Democrats at the U were also contacted for comment but did not respond.
Button said the forum aims to educate students and members of the electorate with the collective intellect of the department of political science.
“This is an opportunity to hear about the issues,” Button said, “from experts in the field rather than the media.”
@emilyinorgandy