With the Republican Party controlling the Presidency, both chambers of Congress, the Supreme Court, and a majority of the governorships, the Bruin Democrats are working towards changing the status quo. The Bruin Democrats will achieve this goal by educating students in a myriad of methods including, but not limited to, informational flyers, events, and speakers. The club will continue to promote active involvement in the campaigns of Democratic candidates and bring these campaigns to the UCLA campus. The education and mobilization of voters is critical in helping to elect Democrat candidates. We feel that the Democratic platform fights hard for the needs of the public education system, making it a good fit for the needs of UCLA. Therefore, the campus on the whole will benefit from the election of Democratic candidates. Moreover, the Bruin Democrats believe that by spearheading campaigns to promote candidates, college students will garner more respect and influence in the political world.

Although the United States may have one of the leading political institutions in the world, many Americans still fail to completely understand the complicated process. Many students may have a normative understanding of the political process from their academic studies; we will provide students with a positive understanding. We believe that the best way to facilitate the comprehension of electoral politics is to learn by doing. In the past, we have simulated a UCLA caucus to mirror the style of elections that happens in many other states. Also, many members have learned about politics at a state level by serving as proxy-voters in State Assembly races. We wish to continue and expand upon this learning in this very important year. By registering voters, students learn about barriers that often prevent people from voting. By volunteering in campaigns, students learn about the logistics and strategies of a political race. By going to state and national conventions, students learn how political parties develop platforms. By lobbying politicians, students learn how public opinion influences legislation.

The startling figures on low voter youth turnout must be addressed. The Bruin Democrats’ objective is to do this in a multi-step process. The first step is registering students to vote. This part is essential on the UCLA campus as many students change districts and/or their address at the beginning of the year. We are working in conjunction with CALPIRG, the USAC EVP’s office, the Bruin Republicans, and other campus groups to put on programs that work at the grassroots and administrative level to promote voter registration. The second step is educating students on the issues through speakers, forums, displays, and debates. We believe that young people who are more aware and knowledgeable about the issues feel more comfortable with the process, and in turn, are more compelled to vote. The final step in increasing voter turnout is mobilizing the base of potential voters on the actual Election Day. The Bruin Democrats’ publicity and activities on Election Day will provide awareness and a centralized location of voting information to facilitate the participation on Election Day.