The special election for the U.S. Senate will likely boost the number of students at the polls in November.

That election and the State College Borough Council race -- featuring two students -- are bolstering hopes for an improved showing at the Nov. 5 general election.

The Senate race pitting former U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh against interim Sen. Harris Wofford will likely draw more student involvement, said Centre County Republican Committee Chairman Jack Falk.

"I think turnout will be higher than usual," he said.

Locally, eight candidates, including Nichol Barlett (senior-health policy and administration) and Jim Van Horn (senior-history) are vying for borough council seats.

The students running for those council spots should make the difference in voter turnout, said Edna Isenberg, a board member of the State College League of Women Voters.

The Senate race will only draw interest among students from the state, Isenberg said. She also said that most students will be more interested in getting their peers on the council.

Strong local issues and candidates usually prompt students to get to the polls, she added.

"You just . . . don't have time," Isenberg said. "It's got to be an issue that really grabs you."

In 1972, about 50 percent of 18-to 24-year-olds voted nationwide, according to a study by the League of Women Voters. In 1976, it was about 42 percent; about 40 percent in 1980 and 1984 and only about 36 percent in 1988.

Most people agreed that students do not vote because they don't consider themselves part of the community.

"They know they're only going to be here a short time," Barlett said.

Students need to look toward the future, she said, noting that some students stay in the borough after they graduate.

Van Horn agreed, saying, "Students are not aware of their ability to vote in State College."

Although Van Horn won the May primary without a high student turnout, he said their vote is crucial for the general election.

"It's going to be much tougher," Van Horn said.

The desire to have a student voice on the council for the first time in more than a decade is prompting the Undergraduate Student Government to get as many students to the polls as possible.

USG Vice President Merryl Werber said USG will sponsor a voter registration drive the week of Sept. 30. Tables will be set up for registration in the HUB and other locations on campus and downtown, Werber said.

"USG is committed to getting a student on borough council," she added.