University of Florida joins in national voter registration day festivities

September 20, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — On Tuesday, thousands of voters will celebrate the inauguration of a new holiday — National Voter Registration Day — in a massive effort to register voters in all 50 states before Election Day. The University of Florida’s Bob Graham Center for Public Service will join the nationwide festivities hosting “Swing the State: Voter Registration Roundup” from noon to 5 p.m. in Pugh Hall.

The center will show a marathon of “The West Wing” television series and will have a TurboVote table setup for students wishing to register to vote or request an absentee ballot. The center will provide snacks and soft drinks for those who come out and join in the celebration of civic responsibility.

The theme for National Voter Registration Day is simple: Register in September, make it count in November. The overarching goal of the project is to drive more people to the polls this election.

National Voter Registration Day’s impact will be driven by more than 700 partner organizations from across the country that will help with the effort. Partners include retailers, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the YWCA and the League of Women Voters.

The League of Women Voters of Alachua County/Gainesville will also be hosting a community event at Girls Place, 2101 NW 39th Ave. from 4 to10 p.m. Tuesday where citizens can update their contact information, party affiliation and register to vote.