By Kyle Winslow

Polling locations will be open across the nation for the 2006 midterm elections today.

Many students and faculty at the University of Louisville will cast ballotts before the polls in Jefferson County close at 6 p.m.

Dr. Jasmine Farrier, a political science professor at U of L, said, “The election is exciting, better drama than anything else in entertainment and sports right now.” She explained, “The difference of course, is that the outcome is extremely meaningful for party power, separation of powers and public policy at home and abroad.”

As exciting as this election is for everyone following it, members of U of L’s College Democrats and College Republicans are looking forward to the election coming to an end.

Kendra Clayton, a junior political science and economics major and a member of College Republicans said, “I think most people are ready for the outcome of this election to be determined.”

Melanie Tate, president of the College Democrats, said, “I’m ready for the new ideas and new direction that the election will bring. The last several months have been a lot of work, but it is very rewarding to know that all of our efforts have gone toward electing people that will make the future of Kentucky and of our country brighter.”

Both the College Democrats and College Republicans feel they are well prepared for the upcoming election.

“[The College Democrats] have been involved with Mayor Jerry Abramson, John Yarmuth and many state legislature races that have helped out a great deal. The countless hours we have spent on walks, in campaign headquarters, and at community events, I believe will pay off Nov. 7,”said Matt Tompkins, a political science major and member of the College Democrats.

In regards to the College Republicans, Clayton said, “I think we have had a lot of people in the organization that have been willing to get out and make a difference; this year more than any before.”

Clayton also emphasized that the last three days heading into the election will provide a huge boost for the Republican Party.

“We are trying to get as many people as possible for the 72 hour campaign. As of right now we have about 30 people signed up,” Clayton said.

The Republican National Committee organizes a nationwide effort in the last 72 hours before Election Day to try and get the Republican base out to vote.

Tate believes the negative advertisements cause feelings of discontentment and are generally sour.

“Negative ads are an unfortunate element of campaigns, especially those in which the numbers are close. Ads such as these tend to drive down voter turnout, which can make the difference for a candidate in an election,” said Tate.

Clayton also looks down at the ads but says they have a roll to play.

“They’re not going to go away because they work. The good thing about negative ads is that you can take what you hear from them ads and do your own research on the candidates,”said Clayton.

Research is an important part of determining who to vote for and many students that are not from Louisville have to follow their races online.

Students coming to U of L from all over the state and country must fill out absentee ballots. Brett Gregory, a sophomore mechanical engineering major has already filled one out.

“There are a couple of races that I have been following really closely. There are some changes that need to be made. I went home this weekend and did an electronic absentee ballot at the courthouse in Breckinridge County,” said Gregory.

However, not all students are as into the election and some are choosing to not vote.

Emily Duckworth, a sophomore nursing major said, “I have not followed up enough on the candidates and therefore feel it is unfair to vote for someone and not know what they stand for.”

Other students, with the stress of school and work, missed the registration deadline.

Shanda Techau, a sophomore dental hygiene major said, “I’m not voting because I did not register in time.”

If a student is unaware of their polling location, visit http://www.elect.ky.gov.