Montevallo Students Feel the 'Bern'

STORY BY ELIAH MCCUTCHEN

With the 2016 election in full swing, students have made an effort to show support for their favorite presidential candidates. College Democrats member and University of Montevallo student Daniel Deriso has taken it upon himself to bring candidate Bernie Sanders' campaign one step closer to Montevallo.

Students gather for a picture with the 'Bern Machine' 

So why is Senator Sanders receiving such a large following in college students? "For one, one of his plans is free public college tuition," Daniel says.

Others, like student Lily Elmore, say Bernie is obviously not a "political puppet" like other presidential candidates.

Daniel first started his group 'Montevallo Students for Bernie' in May with the help of Alabama for Sanders, based in Birmingham.

Daniel has also organized several events in support of Senator Sanders' campaign, including a voter registration sign-up and the largest debate watching party in support of Bernie sanders in the state.

Students wish Senator Sanders luck at a debate watching party.

On October fourth, the University of Montevallo welcomed Paul Sasso, the owner of the 'Bern Machine,' a Telsa driven around by Sasso in support of Sanders' campaign.

Lily Elmore says Montevallo was one of Sasso's favorite stops in the country because of how quickly the event was planned and how passionate the attendees were.

However, with Hillary Clinton neck-in-neck with Senator Sanders, College Democrats president Quincy Hall says they will support whomever wins the Democratic primary.

For more information on Montevallo Students for Bernie, click here. For more information on Bernie Sander's presidential campaign, click here.