As November draws near, local politicians are pushing harder for the student vote.
Today, U.S. Congressional candidate Mark McCracken will hold a rally for Penn State students alongside Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre.
McCracken, a Democrat, said younger voters are more concerned with the presidential race, which he referred to as "the glamour race." Part of the goal of the rally is to show the importance of local elections for young voters.
"As important as the presidential race is really the congressional race is even more important because it's congress that actually votes on the policy," McCracken said. "The president isn't going to be signing any laws that congress doesn't pass and that's really where the direction of the country gets set."
Penn State College Democrats President Sean Meloy said he agreed with the importance of local elections.
Meloy said the group has been involved by advocating for Rep. Joe Brennan, D-Lehigh, Northampton, Conklin and McCracken.
"People at the local levels have more of an impact, much more than the president for college students. People in the State House decide how much appropriation Penn State gets and how much we pay for tuition," Meloy said.
Meloy said that he hopes students get involved and vote out representatives who are "not friends to students."
Tor Michaels, chief of staff for Conklin, said much of the hype around the local election has been generated by the "Obama phenomena," which he said has made young voters more aware.
"Younger voters are essential, especially this year. We've seen a resurgence in Centre Country, which has actually flipped the county to blue, so that's great to see," Michaels said.
College Democrats Spokesman Colin Cwalina said one of the main reasons students don't have a strong voice is because the State House has drawn the district lines to break up student votes.
He said the House, dominated by Republicans, is "afraid of what a united student vote would mean."
"Scott Conklin has a terrific record of representing students and a lot of their opponents have track records of voting against students like voting against lowering tuition," Cwalina said.
Conklin and McCracken say they have made efforts to emphasize their dedication to improving the economy and job availability.
McCracken has outlined a plan to increase high paying jobs for college graduates.
He said he hopes better jobs will encourage recent graduates to stay in the area.
McCracken said he would propose a plan for the 5th district similar to the alternative energy-producing plan he started in Clearfield County.
"We can't base our economy on service jobs like hospitals, nursing homes, education. Those things are very important and steady, but we need industries that are making something to really enhance the economy throughout the region," McCracken said.
McCracken said most of the jobs would be high paying technology, engineering and lab technician jobs for college graduates.
"Mark's policies are great," Meloy said. "He realizes the government can't really help with healthcare or really do anything until the budget is under control, so we definitely need someone like that in Washington."
McCracken said he is looking forward to interacting directly with students at the rally.
"We want to go out and really get a chance to talk with the young, college-age voters to make an impression upon them that this is their election. I know in my race, they are going to be key," McCracken said.
