The Nov. 6 presidential election brought a first to the Fresno State campus: a precinct polling place that exceeded expectations when about 1,000 registered voters cast their ballots, dropped off mail-in ballots or voted provisionally.

Precinct 185 in the Satellite Student Union was coordinated by the Associated Students Inc., working with the Fresno County Elections Department, with 400 registered voters on its rolls.

Sean Kiernan, ASI vice president for external relations, estimated the turnout included 555 provisional voters, about 90 registered precinct voters and 400-500 voters submitting absentee ballots during the 7 a.m.-8 p.m. voting period.

“The turnout was great,” Kiernan said. “I am very proud of having this for roughly 1,000 students, employees and other voters to cast their ballot this election.”

It was the first time students could cast their vote on campus, offering registered voters living on campus in the University Courtyard residence halls, Campus Pointe and surrounding areas, a convenient place to vote.

Kiernan noted that, in this inaugural venture, there were some glitches such as a voting booth and ballot shortage leading to longer wait times but those obstacles were overcome, and he looks forward to working with the county for future on-campus polls.

Dr. Paul M. Oliaro, vice president for student affairs, said he commends “the way our students worked hard to encourage our students to exercise their right and responsibility to vote.

“They should be proud that they made a difference in this year’s election, especially on Proposition 30,” Oliaro added.

With the passage of Proposition 30, the California State University will avoid a $250 million mid-year budget cut.  The CSU announced it will start the process of rescinding the $249 per semester tuition fee increase already in place.

For more information, contact Jordan King at 559.278.2656.

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