With John Kerry's surprise victory last night in the Iowa caucus and the upcoming New Hampshire caucus on Jan. 27, the nation is starting to feel the political buzz that will culminate on Election Day in November.
Nicole Zabirowicz, a senior art major, has taken notice of the increased media coverage.
"I plan on paying closer attention to the Democratic primaries so I can choose a good competitor to go against Bush in November," she said.
While those who keep abreast with political happenings have a careful eye on new occurrences, the notoriously apathetic university community is hardly teeming with noteworthy political activity.
Some students, like freshman English major Katie Aquilina, admits she "doesn't pay attention all that much" to what the presidential hopefuls have had to say.
"I've never gotten around to registering to vote, but I probably should have," she said. "It's just never struck an interest with me."
Douglas Bishop, a junior accounting major, offered his opinion as to why students seem to find it challenging to get involved in political affairs.
"I think it's partially that people are lazy," he said. "People are busy, but I'm sure there are a lot of people that just don't care. You can't force people to participate."
While some might not care to acquaint themselves with politics or become concerned with the voting process, others are well aware of what they consider their duty as a citizen and participate fully.
Kristin Ingleman, sophomore geology major and member of the Green Party said she wishes more people would get involved. Ingleman said she helped to register voters in California during the recall election, and hopes to do the same here.
"People my age need to realize how much this election will affect them," she said. "Decisions will be made about your personal rights and things like financial aid and whether you'll be able to get into college. You're crazy not to vote."
Ingleman said she believes a few small changes would help in drawing more young people into politics.
"There should be more places where people can register to vote or pick up absentee ballots," she said. "There should be polling places around the school for people who can't get off campus."
For some, avoiding the political scene might be a result of a feeling of powerlessness in influencing the results.
"It's not like I personally have control over anything," said Aquilina. "I'd be really surprised if they changed anything for the better."
Political science professor James Campbell said though he has seen a great deal of interest and lively debate about the elections in his classes, it might be possible to pinpoint how apathy takes root.
"The easiest thing to do is to be cynical and go about your daily business and think it's not your responsibility," he said.
Campbell said he believes the adoption of a political science requirement at UB would help to alleviate students' feeling of insignificance.
"All students should be taught the basics of the American political system," he said. "Some students will still not participate, but I think that if we can inform students a little better about the process, they can become more confident about their decisions and their choices."
Information about voter registration is available online at www.rockthevote.org.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
