 "Photo: Elizabeh Moskowitz")
State Rep. Mark Strama encouraged UT student Democrats to become involved in local and national politics at the University Democrats' first rally of the semester Wednesday night in Jester Auditorium.
"Electing Barack Obama will not change anything - it's you," Strama said. "This organization will give you the power to reach any level you want."
After brief introductions, organization leaders began laying out the groundwork for students to ensure that Travis County votes democratic. About 350 UT community members attended the rally, and club leaders said they expect the large crowds to continue throughout the year because of the excitement surrounding the election.
Established in 1953, the University Democrats is the largest and oldest political organization at UT and one of the largest College Democrats of America chapters in the country. The University Democrats help promote candidates who support the Democratic Party's ideals and try to increase political activity in the UT community, according to the group's Web site.
Recently named Chapter of the Year at the Democratic National Convention, the organization will lead the largest Get Out The Vote effort in UT history, with the goal of registering 10,000 students to vote this fall, said University Democrats spokesman Andy Jones.
"This is the most exciting University Democrat meeting I have ever been to," Strama said. "I hope we can sustain this throughout the semester, because this can change the world."
In 1995, Strama was the director of programs at Rock the Vote, where he helped register more than a million new voters.
"Strama is one of the youngest elected officials in the country and an expert at engaging the youth voters," Jones said.
University Democrats holds weekly meetings, which include guest speakers and volunteer opportunities, at 8 p.m. in Mezes Hall 1.306. Membership is open to any UT student, faculty or staff member. For more information go to www.udems.org.
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