ESCANABA - The recent Voter Registration Drive and Political Campaign Fair at Bay de Noc Community College allowed first-time voters to register to vote in the coming election.
The event was held Sept. 17 and helped prepared all attending voters to make informed decisions at he polls this November.
The college puts on a voter registration drive every two years and a big political campaign fair every four years. Campbell said this was the first year some of the candidates themselves attended. State House District 108 candidates Mike Falcon, R-Gladstone, and Judy Nerat, D-Menominee, were both at the event talking to voters and answering their questions.
A mock election held at the event gave voters the opportunity to vote on a few things before November. On the mock ballot, for the office of president and vice president of the United States for a four-year term, Barack Obama and Joe Biden received 82 votes, John McCain and Sarah Palin received 56.
For the U.S. Senate, six-year term, incumbent Democrat Carl Levin received 104 votes and Republican Jack Hoogendyk received 34.
For U.S. Congress representative for the 1st District of Michigan, a two-year term, incumbent Democrat Bart Stupak received 92 votes to Republican Tom Casperson's 47. In the race for state representative for 108th District, a two-year term, Judy Nerat received 83 votes and Mike Falcon received 53.
On proposal 08-1 is a legislative initiative to permit the use and cultivation of marijuana for specified medical conditions. The vote was Yes - 84 and No - 55.
On proposal 08-2 is a proposal to amend the state Constitution to address human embryo and human embryonic stem cell research in Michigan. The vote was Yes - 87 and No - 52.
Total voter turnout was 140 voters. Numbers of votes cast per office do not equal the total voter turnout because some voters did not vote in all sections of the ballot.
Bay College political science instructor Molly Campbell said over 30 new, first-time voters were registered.
"Tremendous thanks go out to all the student volunteers from political science classes and the Model UN Club who helped set up, conduct, and clean up after today's election event," Larson said at the time. "Thanks to everyone who voted today, and remember to vote for real on Tuesday, Nov. 4."
Larson also thanked the political parties, candidates, League of Women Voters, and Escanaba City Clerk Bob Richards for their participation.