Vice Presidential debate Watch Party
On Oct. 1, 2024, VoteDeis Campus Coalition alongside ENACT Your Vote broadcasted the first Vice Presidential debate on the big screen for all interested Brandeis students. This was a nonpartisan event, bringing together various Brandeis organizations including the Brandeis Journalism Department, Dean of Students Office, the ICC, MitzVote, Brandeis COMPACT, the Brandeis Legal Studies Program and the Undergraduate Student Union, and ENACT Your Vote.
To kick off the night and set the tone for the following debate, the Vice President of Brandeis’ Undergraduate Student Union, Ria Escamilla-Gil ’27, gave their opening remarks. Gil addressed the room filled with young voters stating, “Just as the saying goes, ‘Knowledge is power,’ casting a vote is much more than just filling in the bubble for a candidate’s name.” They implored the audience to think critically about what policies and topics matter the most to them in this election, and to use their ballot as their voice.
Following Gil’s speech, students and faculty turned their attention to the anticipated debate between Vice Presidential candidates Senator JD Vance and Governor Time Walz. Audience members were given BINGO cards to fill out during the debate, creating an atmosphere of community and attentiveness to the debate.
In addition to the screening, VoteDeis Campus Coalition members were present to help individuals through the process of registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot and to provide additional support as needed. The night ultimately embodied the spirit of civic engagement VoteDeis and the additional Brandeis organizations work to foster.