Chicago Voter Registration Event

By Sister Nancy McCarthy, BVM

September 25, 2014

University of Illinois – Chicago  First of all, my reflections are influenced by the fact that I studied on this campus nearly 30 years ago, and the memories that came back along with the GREAT changes that have taken place were astounding. 

I tried to imagine how I'd react if I were approached by a 'Nun-on-the-Bus' and asked if I'd registered to vote! 

Most of the students I spoke with actually said they had (and sounded proud of it). They were very happy to receive our materials and willing to fill out voting pledge cards. The informational flyer about candidates was very helpful in getting them to talk.

The ones who told me they had not registered also said they didn't have time/were late for class, and so we didn't talk either. Several said they weren't citizens, but one woman said her husband was and asked if she could have materials for him. 

For the most part, I tried to choose groups who were sitting around on campus and obviously had a little time to talk. They were all very friendly and interested. One group really wanted to express their hopes for raising the minimum wage. My general feeling was one of gratitude for the experience and a realization of the value of taking time to talk about important things with the younger generation.