As some college students approach their first presidential election as voters, many may enter the polls or send in absentee ballots without educating themselves about local races.

State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre, said that while more students may vote, many of those voting will be more interested in the national election than the local races.

"[Students] may make blind guesses in races where they won't get themselves properly educated, and that may have a negative impact on local races," he said.

Benninghoff added that in presidential election years, people often vote Democratic or Republican across the board.

Some students agreed that they might walk into the polls uninformed.

William J. Post (junior-advertising) said during a presidential election year, voters from another area may overlook local elections. Post, originally from Columbus, Ohio, is registered to vote in Centre County.

"People have an impression that governing only happens at a federal level," he said. "At a campus like Penn State, so many students have formed rash decisions on who they support, following whatever trend seems to be most popular, and I doubt they take the time or energy to make an educated decision about the less glamorous local elections."

Tom Andrews, press secretary for U.S. House of Representatives minority leader Bill Deweese, D-Greene, said he disagrees.

"I don't think the increase in new voters will be drastic enough to change an election locally," he said. "I do believe that if people take the time to get registered to vote, then they will make informed decisions."

Andrews said students voting by absentee ballot can access candidate information through local newspaper Web sites.

"I think that newspapers are the best way, if you're out of town, to stay informed in what's going on," he said. "It's just not possible for the candidate to travel outside of the districts to meet with students."

Wanda Hockenberry, assistant director for Centre County Office Elections and Voter Registration, said the office is backlogged by two weeks with new voter registration forms, which are due Monday, and does not provide any candidate information to voters.

"We don't get involved in that end of it at all," she said. "I suggest online Republican or Democratic Party Web sites."

Tony De Los Angeles (junior-political science) said local government could be negatively affected by new voters registering to primarily take part in the presidential election.

"Previously, it seemed to me at least, only those who really knew the candidates participated in local elections," he said.

De Los Angeles previously voted via absentee ballot in Bucks County, but decided to register in Centre County to use the polls for his first presidential election.

"I think people who are voting this year specifically for President Bush or Sen. Kerry will wind up voting along party lines for the local offices," he said.