According to CNN, which posted an article originally from the University of Virginia's student-run newspaper, Liberty University, the fundamentalist university best known for being founded by Jerry Falwell, is launching a campaign to register all 10,500 students who are eligible to vote.
The commonwealth of Virginia has traditionally been a Republican stronghold -- the last time a Democratic presidential candidate won the state was in 1964.
But with recent polls showing Sen. John McCain only slightly ahead of Sen. Barack Obama, Virginia remains up for grabs. And the last two statewide offices -- for governor and U.S. senator -- have been won by Democrats.
Given the close nature of the presidential race, Jerry Falwell, Jr., chancellor of Liberty University, recently launched an ambitious effort to register all 10,500 eligible student voters at the fundamental Baptist institution in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Falwell kicked off the voter registration drive September 22, urging students -- including those from out-of-state -- to register locally.
"Liberty students have never been permitted to register locally in the past. The recent change in election law is giving Liberty University the chance to make history," Falwell stated in an e-mail addressed to faculty and staff. "Liberty University's 11,000 students and 4,000 faculty and staff could cause Liberty to become known as the university that elected a president!"
Since the announcement of the registration campaign, students have been offered voter registration forms by resident advisers during residence hall meetings and by professors during class. Jonathan Woods, a junior at Liberty and resident adviser, said he and fellow RAs were instructed to educate their residents about registering to vote during a regular RA meeting.
"That night, in our hall meetings, we had to explain that it's a good and unique opportunity," Woods said, "because not too long ago they [out-of-state students] weren't able to register in Virginia."
That's just about half of the story. To read the rest, go here.
As a Maryland resident, I'm already crossing the border and GOTVing all over Arlington and Alexandria. I'm planning on redoubling my efforts to try to offset this registration at least a little bit. Any other fellow MD,DC,VA area residents out there need to do the same!! I have a feeling that VA is THE battleground of the election and will sway this thing one way or the other.