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" The margin of victory that elected Birch Bayh as your senator was two votes per precinct. If one person had voted for someone else we would have lost." - Former senator Birch Bayh, referencing his 1962 election win

Early voting in Indiana began Monday, and to kick off the event approximately 75 people gathered together at the Obama headquarters on Wabash Avenue to hear former senator Birch Bayh give a speech on the importance of early voting. Together all marched to the Cunningham Memorial Library at ISU to become the first voters of this historical presidential election.

Before the speech, Matthew Swingler, a freshman music education major and Crystal Toner, a freshman music education and music performance major sang "The Star-Spangled Banner," while Leonard Perkins, a freshman music major, played the viola.

"We're here for one reason. That reason isn't to hear Birch Bayh, it is to vote. This election is the most important election in my lifetime," Bayh said. "Some of you remember my 1962 campaign and participated in it. The margin of victory that elected Birch Bayh as your senator was two votes per precinct. If one person had voted for someone else we would have lost. So I would like to ask all of you after you have voted here, to take the responsibility when you're tired and think you have run out of gas to do me a favor: Get two more votes for Birch."

Todd Nation, president of the Terre Haute City Council and representative of the fourth district which includes ISU, said, "We are trying to generate awareness and interest that those registered can early vote now."

"This is an opportunity for the Obama supporters and those that want to make a difference in our country, to cast their ballots early," said Vern Tincher, District 46 representative in the Indiana House of Representatives. "This is an opportunity for everyone to make sure their vote is going to count."



Bayh ended his speech by quoting former President John F. Kennedy, "'Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country… With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking his help and his blessing, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own,' so let's go get a ballot."

Continued...

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