Kent State’s undergraduate student government is planning big changes for the upcoming fall semester. The changes include launching a massive voter registration and information push in order to get students more involved in the political process.

“My goal is for every single incoming student to have the opportunity to register to vote during welcome weekend,” said USG Executive Director Evan Gildenblatt. “It’s certainly lofty, but it’s also attainable if we work toward it.”

Diane Davis from the Portage County Board of Elections said that presidential elections increase interest, and she expects a large number of new registrations this year.

The Qualifications to register to vote in Ohio are:

• You are a citizen of the United States

• You will be at least 18 years old on or before the day of the next general election

• You will be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 consecutive days immediately before the election in which you want to vote

• You are not incarcerated (in prison or jail) for a felony conviction under the laws of this state, another state or the United States

• You have not been declared incompetent by voting purposes by a probate court, and

• You have not been permanently disenfranchised for violating the election laws.

The Portage County Board of Elections plans to open its doors on June 23 to assist registrants and voters.

“I want more for our student body,” said Gildenblatt. “I want to give them a voice.”

Contact Cynthia Smith at [email protected].