Below is our 2018 Year in Review sent to Rice University Young Democrats supporters.
Beto O’Rourke Rally [VIDEO]
The Rice University Young Democrats hosted Rep. Beto O’Rourke on October 9, 2018. Close to 1000 students packed into the venue to hear his remarks. This was the largest political event at Rice in recent history.
Disable Ad-blocker to view the video below.
Rice Community Stands with DACA Recipients
Recently, an undergraduate student wrote an opinion piece in the Thresher complaining about the Rice Administration’s public support for its DACA students. In it, he claimed support for DACA on campus was mixed. In the Thresher’s following issue, four different letters to the editor were published; each blasting the initial opinion piece and dissecting the fallacies present.
The Rice Young Democrats penned one of these LTTE’s, which can be read here.
Gilbert Saldivar’s LTTE
Christen Sparago’s LTTE
Maurice Frediere’s LTTE (Former RYD President)
Student Association President’s Statement
Clearly, the Rice student body isn’t as divided on this issue in the slightest. We stand with Dreamers and categorically oppose legislation that would seek to deport hard-working, innovative students.
Gun Control Panel a Huge Success
Check out this Thresher article covering our involvement in the recent March for Our Lives candidate panel. While no Republicans showed up, we were glad 8 Democratic candidates could make time. Credit to Amy Qin for writing the story.
Surge in Democratic Primary Voters
Rice University observed a massive surge in student turnout to its Democratic primary this year. In 2014 (the last midterm primary), 8 students on campus voted. This year, 224 students voted. The RYD invested in a variety of GOTV efforts – including candidate forums, voter registration drives and transportation organization. Over 50 students were driven to the polls thanks to the RYD, Civic Duty Rice, and Todd Litton’s campaign for the 2nd Congressional District.
Check out our infographic posted to our Facebook page detailing our GOTV efforts.
This story was subsequently covered by Anna Ta of the Rice Thresher.
Early Voting
The primary season is coming up! When do you plan to vote?
Election Day is still a Tuesday, even for the primaries. It’s difficult to find an hour to go vote in the middle of a school day; skip the hassle by voting early!
Early voting runs from February 20th to March 2nd and you can vote at any of these locations in Harris County. The easiest way for Rice students to get to the polls is to ride the university’s shopping shuttle to Fiesta Mart on Saturday, February 24th. That’s an early voting location from 7 to 7, so it’ll be open anytime the bus is running.
Whenever you vote, you’ll need a voter ID. Check out the County Clerk’s guidance here, and feel free to send a message to our Facebook page if you want help understanding the rules.
If you decide to vote on Election Day, you’ll be able to vote at Judson Robinson Junior Community Center, a short 20-minute walk from campus. Either way, check out some info about the contested races on your ballot with our 2018 Primary Guide!