By Rachel Zabinski
Voting participation among young people is the lowest out of any age group, but in their visit to the University, three local politicians tried to entice students to become more politically active.
Wednesday's lecture, "Local Politics: Why We Should Care," was the first big event sponsored by the University's Democratic club.
The three Nassau County legislatures who spoke, Roger Corbin, Lisanne Altmann, , and Kevan Abrahams, were all members of the Democratic Party. Each legislator is active in many political groups such as Minority Affairs, Health and Social Services, and Finance. Corbin, Altmann and Abrahams discussed the views of the Democratic Party and the changes they need to make in order to become more popular with voters.
"The Democratic Party in Nassau County fights on behalf of the people, we are the human party," said Corbin, addressing how people identify to the party.
Altmann briefly described a history of the party before speaking about the future goals of the Democrats.
"The Democratic Party needs to become as aggressive as the republicans; we need to learn how to communicate with everyone," said Altmann.
Abrahams spoke about what to look for in the Democratic Party and what issues should be important to voters.
"The three main issues here is Nassau County right now are the economy, jobs, and affordable housing," said Abrahams. He also discussed what the candidates need in order to run.
"You have to have money, a message, and a man, or woman for that matter, said Abrahams. " I call it the three M's."
The messages these politicians spread came with a positive reaction from the members of Hofstra Democrats. Members, Brendan O'Reilly, a sophomore communications major, and Steve Loebe, a freshman film major, said the experience was worthwhile.
"The legislators expressed some great progressive ideas,"O'Reilly said.
The event did not incorporate a Republican perspective, but Loebe, said, "It was a good inspiration for Democrats."