TAMPA — This year’s presidential election has presented voters with one unexpected twist after another.
What you need to know: Saint Leo University has seen a significant increase in the number of students taking political science courses.
He said interest spikes during election years, but this year’s situation is unique.
He expects his students to not only learn in the classroom, but also to apply what they learn to their futures.
This has become one of the most exciting election cycles in recent memory, and at one Bay Area university, more students are becoming more interested in the political process.
Saint Leo University has seen a significant increase in the number of students enrolled in political science courses.
Professor Frank Orlando, who has had a lifelong passion for politics, teaches at the university.
“It shows how important this is and how the decisions we make in elections shape our democratic society,” Orlando said.
He said interest always heightens during a presidential election year, but this year has proven different in that what began as a race between President Joe Biden and a challenge to former President Donald Trump has now become a battle between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Politics has become such a big part of our culture, and I think we’re so inspired by everything that’s going on in the world,” Orlando said, “and that makes people even more excited about learning about politics.”
Orlando walked students through his plans for election night.
“During the Election Day broadcast, each student will be assigned to a state. They will be the expert for that state and they will stand in front of a big board pointing out counties and talking about voter turnout,” Orlando said.
He expects his students to not only learn in the classroom, but also take what they learn and apply it to their futures.