George Mason University Voting Precinct Formed

In November, George Mason University students will no longer pile into Student Government-sponsored “Vote Vans” and travel to W.T. Woodson High School to vote.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a redistricting ordinance July 19, creating a university precinct. This split the Woodson precinct at Roberts Road on the eastern side of the Mason campus.

The ordinance was originally proposed by Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova in late May.

“An on-campus polling location and new campus precinct would ensure that Mason students, faculty, administration and staff would be fairly represented at the polls well into the future,” Bulova said. “The growth the campus is experiencing, with 7,500 new on-campus residential units planned for the next five years, requires new services like on-campus voting.”

According to Tom Hennessey, chief of staff in the president’s office, the university supports the ordinance. Several members of the Mason community also voiced their support.

“Hopefully it boosts the youth vote in the next election and beyond,” said Shane Smith, a junior conflict analysis and resolution major. “It's time that we, the students, start taking a more active role in our political system. [T]hose making decisions now are impacting our future, and we should make our voices heard.”

Evan Baum, director of Strategic Initiatives for University Life, agreed. “[It’s] well overdue,” he said. “Most campuses with our number of on-campus residents have a polling place for elections.”

However, Braddock District Supervisor John Cook and Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity, both Republicans, suggested that the ordinance is a partisan move.

"When someone from the other political party makes a motion that pertains to my district, and pertains to the conduct of elections in my district, and it's made during an election year and I'm not consulted, then I'm concerned with what's really going on,” Cook said.

Mason’s student body is incredibly diverse, with many political organizations on campus receiving support from students. In an article published in the Washington Examiner, Professor Michael McDonald echoed that sentiment.

"Some students will be encouraged to vote, but it's hard to say whom, and I wouldn't say they're all Democrats,” he said.

The precinct and polling location will be operational in time for the November election.

Patch policy requires that contributors disclose any connection to stories on which they report. The reporter is a senior at George Mason University.