After several months of publicity, yesterday's elections had students running to the polls and their mailboxes to cast their vote.
Of course, at the top of the priority list lies the referendum to pass the General Obligation Bond. While some students may not follow politics, they certainly pay attention to the ballot when it has the power to determine whether or not they'll have a classroom next year.
"I'm a biology major, and the bond is important to me because it will raise money for new biology labs in Gilmer Hall," third-year College student Jody Westbrook said. "It's so bad that we might not have the resources we need."
In fact, $5.7 million from the bond is slated for the renovation of teaching laboratories in Gilmer, which have not been renovated since they were built 35 years ago.
Westbrook, who transferred to the University from a private school, knows the University will appreciate the extra funds.
"At my other school, the students really took the school and the money for granted," she said. "But the people here love U.Va. so much, and there's no reason it shouldn't be the best it can be."
Although the bond issue seemed to be first on students' minds, they also went to the polls in support of their favorite candidates.
"I voted today to support Meredith Richards," fourth-year College student Matt Harbour said. "She's from Charlottesville, and I think she's the better candidate."
But the bond referendum and local candidates weren't the only things that moved students to vote yesterday.
Some students cited the respect they owe the patriots that came before them.
"As a woman, I know that some women spent their entire lives working for me to have the privilege and opportunity to vote," third-year College student Cerissa Cafasso explained. "I have a responsibility to these women."
Cafasso also acknowledged her civic duty.
"I know that my vote is a voice, even if it's just one of millions," she said. "It's a way for me to express how I feel as an American and make sure the government hears it."
In order for students to lend their voice, they first have to understand the issues at hand.
Although "bond" has been the buzzword on Grounds for months, many students still lack a clear understanding of what it means for the state and higher education.
"All I really know is that people can purchase the bond to help raise money," fourth-year College student Josh Frances said. "There's around $68 million that will go to U.Va."
Frances is right on the money with his definition. A general obligation bond is a bond that the Commonwealth of Virginia sells to investors to raise funds, and revenue from this bond goes toward capital construction projects at institutes of higher education
New facilities and improvements on existing buildings will become even more necessary as 32,000 more students enter Virginia's public colleges and universities over the next eight years.
Additionally, the issuance of bonds will not raise taxes, and, in fact, Virginia residents could make money off the bond, as it stimulates the state's sluggish economy.
According to the Center for Public Policy at Virginia Commonwealth University, this bond package will generate more than $1.5 billion in economic activity by 2008, and it will create nearly 14,000 new jobs.
But the only jobs students may be worried about in the immediate future are print jobs, as the budget cuts force the University to enact print quotas in the library.
"When you can't even print in your own library, that's a problem," Frances said. "The reason I'm going home to vote today is the bond referendum -- the University needs it."
Even visitors to the University are aware of the importance of this election and the referendum.
As a University Guide, Cafasso brings in the bond issue on her historical tours.
"I explain that the state doesn't give us that much money, but they own our buildings and that's where their responsibilities lie," she said. "The bond money is vital to making sure things get done around here"
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