As the increased number of bumper stickers, yard signs and TV debate ratings attest, passions are running high this election season. Students at UMBC, many of them first-time voters, are no exception and will be making their voices heard by bringing their elected officials to campus for a bipartisan Election Night Extravaganza..

The event, sponsored by the UMBC Student Government Association, will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. in the University Commons Building. Students of all political stripes are expected to join the festivities, which will include refreshments, music, remarks by Maryland politicians and many, many televisions to follow election returns. Approximately 600 people are expected to attend.

"My sense is that UMBC students are especially fired up about this election," says David Hoffman, coordinator of leadership and engagement for the UMBC Office of Student Life. "National and local issues are touching students' lives deeply. Tuition increases hit them in the pocketbook. Their peers are fighting, and some are dying, in a controversial war in Iraq. And ever since 9/11, students have become keenly aware of the connection between national and international events and their personal well-being."

In addition to hearing remarks from elected officials, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns individually with:

• The Hon. Steven J. DeBoy, Sr., State Delegate, District 12A
• The Hon. Adrienne A. Jones, Speaker Pro Tem, Maryland House of Delegates (District 10)
• The Hon. Edward J. Kasemeyer, State Senator, District 12
• The Hon. James E. Malone, Jr., State Delegate, District 12A
• The Hon. S.G. Samuel Moxley, Chair, Baltimore County Council (District 1)