Sending students to the polls

It's the easiest way to get 200 college kids to your event: free burgers and hot dogs. NDSU College Republicans figured that out at a recruitment event on campus today.

NATHAN: "The food definitely gets a few kids in, especially since it's free."

Food might be a good way to get students through the door initially, but to the polls this November? Many students say they want to actually hear candidates talk about issues that directly affect the student population.

Regardless of the party, students like engineering senior Chris Johnson, say the more candidates actually get out and meet students face to face, the more likely they'll cast their vote.

CHRIS: "gets people interested."

NATHAN: "When they have that personal connection with a guy and can say I met him, I shook his hand, I talked to him, I think that really makes a big difference in a student's mind."

MANDY: "Activities like this make it possible and make other people want to get involved, whether you're Democrat, Republican, Independent, you're going to take notice."

But others say these political pushes only attract those who closely follow the races. Still, candidates hope the lunch-time events will just get kids to sit down. NDSU College Democrats will host candidates at a BBQ on the east patio of Memorial Union tomorrow from 11 until 2.

Tags: reporter stories, stephanie goetz, higher education, north dakota legislature, fargo, politics, food