VoteDeis and ENACT Your Vote Host Presidential Debate Watch Party
September 10, 2024
On September 10, about 75 Brandeis students crowded into Mandel G03, brimming with anticipation for the first live debate between the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees, Vice President Harris and former President Trump.
The evening began with a virtual address from Student Union President Rani Balakrishna ’25. Speaking to an audience of students whose recent years have been filled with local and global conflicts, contentious elections, and pandemics, Balakrishna remarked, “My generation is all too familiar with the word ‘unprecedented,’” and that this election is “truly unprecedented.”
Balakrishna’s speech celebrated the solidarity of students coming together to navigate “the future of our country,” regardless of political affiliation. Balakrishna urged attendees to remain civically engaged, concluding her speech with a call to action: “I hope you make your voice heard during this momentous election.”
The focus on civic engagement continued throughout the night. As students arrived to watch the debate, they took the opportunity to sign up as volunteers and register to vote, with support from event co-sponsors VoteDeis and ENACT Your Vote. The event maintained a nonpartisan stance, fostering an inclusive environment where students were encouraged to participate actively in the electoral process.
The event was organized by the VoteDeis Campus Coalition and ENACT Your Vote, and funded by ENACT: The Educational Network for Active Civic Transformation.
It was cosponsored by the Brandeis Undergraduate Student Union, the Dean of Students Office, the Intercultural Center, the Legal Studies Program, and the Samuels Center for Community Partnerships and Civic Transformation (COMPACT).
Learn more about campus voting initiatives or register to vote here.