Today is the last day for students to register to vote in the Nov. 3 municipal elections.
And despite the large number of students who registered to vote in last year's election, officials expect a relatively low turnout from students this year.
In the past, municipal elections have drawn a significantly smaller portion of the student population, said Jodi Neidig, assistant director for elections and voter registration in Centre County. She only expects about 25 percent of the student population to participate this year, despite the fact that many students are already registered.
Students cited the difference in media attention and a lack of connection with the State College area as reasons for not voting this year.
"I go to school here and I have an apartment here, but I don't involve myself in local elections," Brendan O'Connor (junior-human development and family studies) said. "I understand it's always important, but it's hard to invest time in researching information for local elections."
Nikki Rosmini (senior-anthropology) said she does not plan to register because it could result in possibly serving jury duty. However, she said students who plan to stay in the area should participate in the municipal elections.
In Pennsylvania, students may register to vote as residents in the county where they are attending school. However, students should make sure a change in residency does not affect scholarships and student loans, Neidig said.
Among the contested positions in this year's election is district attorney, a showdown between Republican incumbent Michael Madeira and Democratic candidate Stacy Parks Miller. Madeira is best known to students for his role in the prosecution of cases involving Penn State football players and a few murder cases involving students.
Other positions up for grabs include State College mayor, seats on the State College Borough Council, constable and several judicial positions.
Neidig said registration forms received after the deadline will still be processed but not in time for the election.
Students can vote at the HUB-Robeson Center and 19 other locations in State College, depending on the precinct they are assigned to.
