On a warm, crisp autumn afternoon, before the Radford University Rally for Change, organizers of the event talked amongst themselves, worked vigorously, and absorbed themselves in making the event a success.

From 1-5 p.m Saturday, the Radford University Students for Barack Obama and the Student Government Association hosted the rally.

Throughout Preston Auditorium, organizers wore navy blue, red, and green shirts and buttons showing their support for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and his presidential bid. At the front entrance, a table offered programs and free blue raffle tickets for gift certificates to establishments such as Spinnaker’s, Retro To Go, and tickets to see Afromotive at The Lantern in Blacksburg.

Pizza, nachos and sodas were offered at other tables, and you could find plenty. of Obama merchandise such as three different sets of pins, free airbrush logo tattoos and make-your-own rally signs. As Radford University students and the local community showed up, music played in the background with chants of “Yes we can!” emanating from the crowd.

Loren Phillips is an organizer of the rally and a Radford University junior. “We are having the Obama rally to get students in the community excited one more time before elections on Tuesday,” Phillips said.

RU students and the local community supported Obama by holding signs and showing their enthusiasm for change.

“I’m excited that people are coming out on this day to support our candidate,” junior Aurora Lutty said.

While buttons, signs, and tattoos were available as early as 1 p.m., the rally kicked off in earnest at 2:30 p.m. with performances generating enthusiasm among the rally attendees. A musical group by the name of Honor Among Thieves started the rally with songs about the current conditions of our economy.

Other aspects of the rally included the RU Deliverance Gospel Choir, Jason Byrd & Friends, political poetry, and speakers from the university.

Organizer and sophomore Clarissa Clarke said, “This year’s elections are important because the world is in a rocky situation so we need a change.”

Freshman Kate Fisher added, “War in Iraq, the economy, and environmental issues are the top three issues that young people are concerned about.”

Rally coordinators insisted that students are hungry for change.

Tim Bailey, chapter coordinator of Students for Barack Obama said, “The time to act and make a difference is now.”

A recent study by the Harvard University Institute of Politics said that 29.5 million 18 to 24 year olds are expected to vote in November. The rally was used to unite students and the local community together to motivate a change for the country and to make everyone aware of the importance of this year’s election. One message that was clear was that young voters have a major voice in this election.

“I think it’s good that students are getting more involved in our government no matter who they are voting for,” RU graduate Crystal Hubbard said.

Brian Seay is a junior media studies student at Radford University.