Talisman » From the magazine: Young and partisan

From right to left to somewhere in between, there are political organizations on the Hill for students who want to voice their beliefs, and students align themselves with like-minded individuals within these groups. This photo story explores the inner workings of political involvement on WKU’s campus.

Spring Hill, Tenn., junior Elias Thompson and White House, Tenn., sophomore Julianna Lowe plan out their route for door-to-door campaigning for Andy Beshear on Oct. 5. “We’ve been doing this since the first week of August,” Lowe said. “It would be great to know that we were part of the campaign that turned Kentucky into a blue state.” Beshear, a Democrat who ran for the position of governor of Kentucky, won the election against incumbent Governor Matt Bevin on Nov. 5.

Hendersonville, Tenn., junior Creeson Martin dials phone numbers of Kentucky voters for the Andy Beshear campaign on Oct. 3. “I came to volunteer because this is such an important race,” Martin said. “We have seen the public opinion shift against Matt Bevin, and if we can get him out of office, there’s a great chance that Kentucky can become a blue state for the presidential election next year.”

Lexington freshman Ethan Wallace contributes to the discussion at the Young Democratic Socialists of America meeting on Oct. 2. Members of the YDSA discussed plans for organizing help for union protesters as well as a socialist movie night.

Sarah Alexcee, senior from Nashville, Tennessee, contributes to the discussion during the College Republicans meeting on Oct. 2. Knoxville, Tenn., senior Caroline Cavin, treasurer of the College Republicans, said she wants the group to be more inclusive. “We have a good idea and mindset, but we don’t have as large of a following as we would wish,” she said. “I want this group to be more inclusive, so you can figure out what you believe.”