It once seemed that Nov.4, 2008 would never come. It has been a grueling, historical campaign that seemed to start years ago. Members of the press along with millions of American citizens have been consumed by this campaign, and most may enter a state of shock when it actually concludes in two weeks – regardless of the outcome. With less than two weeks before the deciding day, the debates have officially ended, the vice presidential candidates have been exposed, and the day on which we must register to vote has come and gone. With all this being said, hopefully those who have registered have identified with the candidate they are voting for.

This year’s election, based on the number complex issues that Americans are currently facing, appears to be about substance. According to a recent poll, done by several members of the Spartan staff, this campaign is no longer about the social issues that have divided us in the past like abortion, gay rights or religion. This election, the issues have changed.

Ninety-one students were polled by members of the Spartan Staff, and all but 16 are registered to vote.

Of the 75 students left, 51 said they plan on voting for Sen. Barack Obama.

“He is the change we need,” said student Charly Klaas.

That sentiment was issued repeatedly.

“He is what the country needs,” echoed Sarah Kenney.

Change, however was not the only reason some students have decided to side with the democrat. Some students voiced opposition to republican Sen. John McCain rather than support for Obama.

“I just didn’t get a great impression of him from the debates,” said senior Sarah Burke. “The way he reacted, I just don’t think that he’s going to act well if he were president,”

Undecided junior Jordan Vickers mentioned a similar reason for being undecided. He said he was going to vote for McCain ” but his performance in the debates . yeesh,” Vickers said.

The McCain voters are vastly outnumbered at CSC, with the results of the poll showing him having only 16 percent of the student body’s vote with a total of 15 supporters. But for those who are supporting him, the unifying issue surrounding him is his experience.

“He is a stronger leader and has experience. Experience is key,” said Danny Martin.

That message was repeated by student Morgan Sasso.

“He has the experience Obama doesn’t,” said Sasso.

Unregistered voters on campus took up an even greater percentage of our poll than did supporters of McCain. Eighteen percent of our poll takers will not be voting at all.

One student, who chose to remain nameless, said “I am not registered, I am not going to vote because . it is choosing the lesser of two evils.”

The smallest and final group who answered our poll was the one represented by registered undecided voters. Less than 10 percent of our poll takers still aren’t sure who they will be casting their vote for come Election Day.

The Harvard University Institute of Politics conducted a national poll of college-aged Americans and found numbers similar to ours. They discovered that 75 percent of students are registered, and of that 55 percent will vote for Barack Obama and 32 percent for McCain.

Our Final Tally

Total students polled: 91

Obama : 51

McCain: 15

Undecided: 9

Not Registered: 16