Anyone who stopped by the Kehr Union today could not help but notice the long line of eager students waiting to vote. Students trailed in throughout the day before or after classes in casual attire. However, the majority of African American students, as if premeditated, came to vote dressed differently. Men were dressed in suits and ties, and women in skirts or slacks.
Taariq Bouy, sported black slacks, dress shoes, a sweater, and a tie when he went to vote at 9:30 a.m. “It’s my first time voting, and I felt as if I should get dressed nicely because I’m really making a difference. Getting dressed this way brought on an ‘I care attitude.’”
Tamara Callands who accompanied him in line felt the same way. She wore a black pants suit. “I dressed up because this is my first time voting. I felt independent. So I got dressed up because I felt I was maturing a little bit,” said Callands. “Also, my vote may make history, and I am so happy that this is happening in my generation. Obviously, other Black students were thinking the same thing when they got dressed this morning.”
Still, regardless of how differently they were dressed, both still felt the same excitement and nervousness of first-time voters. Bouy, who is voting for Barack Obama became anxious before voting.
“I was nervous but it didn’t hit me right away,” he said. “I checked what I voted for, like, five times because I remember during the Bush and Al Gore election, how many voters accidently checked the wrong party, and obviously I do want Barack to win, but I saw a lot of McCain supporters come out today. So McCain may just win.”
Callands, who also voted for Barack, has no idea who will win this election.
“I really hope Obama wins, but I know not to get my hopes up,” she said. “I remember when my parents were so sure Al Gore would win and he didn’t, so I am really not sure what is going to happen. But it would be a great change if Barack won. It would make history.”
