With an increased emphasis on the student vote in recent American political campaigns, international exchange students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are becoming increasingly interested in being a part of the American election process.
International Student Services, a program which aims to help incoming international students adjust to life in the United States, has hosted multiple events this fall urging international students to become connoisseurs of the American political system while in the country, including a mock election and results viewing party Tuesday night.
Approximately 4,000 international students attend UW-Madison each year, according to the Office of the Registrar, and although they are unable to officially vote, many of these students have found themselves swept up in campus’ political climate.
Despite being unable to vote, international students become immersed in the American culture of elections while in Madison, according to ISS Program Coordinator Marilee Sushoreba.
“They’re [in the United States] but they’re a little bit removed, and [our events] enable them to connect with this dynamic and be a part of an historic occasion while they’re here,” Sushoreba said.
This year’s mock election results showed participating international students overwhelmingly backed the president, with 87 voting for President Barack Obama and 7 for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
Radhika Das, a third-year law student from England, said she voted in the mock election because she became immersed in the election process while living in Madison.
“It’s been very active here,” Das said. “I’ve run into people every day telling me to vote, but I always say I wish I could but I can’t.”
Das said the mock election was her chance to become involved with American politics and she voted to re-elect President Obama, following the excitement of seeing him on campus earlier this month.
“I never thought I’d actually get the chance to see him,” Das said. “In England, he’s such a big figure.”
Sushoreba said mock elections and viewing parties are “joyful experiences” for international students and an opportunity for them to participate in American life.
“I would imagine that they return to their countries and remember this day for the rest of their lives,” Sushoreba said.
