Recall debate highlights apathy

By Tracey Robertson

It had all the makings of a successful political debate: media attention, passionate representation from both sides, and a timely, controversial subject.

All it was missing was an audience.

The current California recall was the subject of The Political Science Club’s first public debate of the semester but if attendance was any indication, the group has a long way to go in its effort to engage Fresno State students in political participation.

Only about five students paused to listen, and none stayed long enough to hear the entire debate.

It’s another example of student apathy, which has drawn single-digit voting percentages in student government elections in the past. Other surveys indicate students are not likely to vote in the recall election on Oct. 7.

The low student-interest in next month’s historic California election does not surprise David Schecter, an assistant professor of political science at Fresno State.

“ The lack of participation at this event suggests that Fresno State students are no different than students anywhere else,” Schecter said. “Students are busy with other activities—work, classes, family.”

Resting in the shade a few hundred yards from the debate, freshman Janay Flynn shared her thoughts on politics and the October election.

“ I don’t really know anything about it,” she said. “I try to stay out of the whole politics thing. I haven’t paid attention to it at all.”

Flynn added she doesn’t plan to vote in the October election.

Freshman Samuel Hernandez said he doesn’t care about the election, but wants to.

“ It doesn’t matter that much to me, but I know it’s important for people to get involved with the democratic process,” Hernandez said. “It affects students, so we really should be concerned about what happens.”

But not all students are apathetic. Rich Sanikian, president of the Political Science Club, said his organization’s goal is to change the apathy trend.

“ The goal of our organization is that more students become politically active,” Sanikian said. Sanikian said that he was not discouraged by Tuesday’s attendance and that he hopes the debate generated some discussion among the few students who did attend.

Sanikian, a senior majoring in political science, represented the recall opposition in the debate, while fellow club member, Justin Witte, a senior majoring in public administration, spoke in favor of it.

But Schecter, like Sanikian and Witte, is optimistic about the future of political involvement among students.

“ If political parties start to mobilize around young voters and groups like the Political Science Club continue to debate important issues publicly, interest will grow,” Schecter said.