WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Liberty University voters work to make their presence known
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They've come to Lynchburg for a Christian education, but students at Liberty University are also taking an active role in their adopted home.
Thousands have registered to vote locally and Tuesday they made their presence known at the polls.
They've come by the bus load.
"If we don't vote, then people will vote for us," says Liberty University Student John Gosslee.
For the second year, Liberty University has canceled classes and set up free shuttles to bring students to the polls.
"I really feel like we're beginning to have a major input in what's going on in the elections," says Liberty University Student Katie Smith.
LU Chancellor Jerry Falwell Junior says he's pushing students to vote to protect their school's best interests.
"When students vote locally, taxes that impact them are not as likely to be raised," says Falwell.
Falwell says this effort shows that LU students have a strong interest in what happens in Lynchburg, and they're hoping city leaders will take an interest in them.
"If the turnout is huge, the city takes seriously issues that impact Liberty University," says Falwell.
That includes Lynchburg's candidates for delegate.
Democrat Shannon Valentine and Republican Scott Garrett both spent time greeting LU voters.
Students say they've taken a close interest in the race.
"I've talked to Scott Garrett many times, he's been out at Liberty for pretty much the entire campaign," says Liberty University Student Lauren Jeffrey.
"I attended a brief that Shannon Valentine did," says Gosslee.
Some say LU's vote could affect the outcome of the delegate's race.
"I've steered clear of telling them which way to vote in that race or any other race," says Falwell.
For Falwell, it's about getting students engaged.
"We can make a difference if we just put a little more effort into it," says Smith.
And with more than 3,000 students registered to vote, that difference is already being made.
