K-State Student Voter Drive: Loud Light Fellow Narissa Hampton Talks Politics, Parking, and the Power of Local Elections
- Cadence Brier
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
This week on Wildcat 91.9, Cadence Brier sat down with Narissa Hampton, a K-State political science student and a Loud Light Fellow, to discuss the importance of student voter registration and how her team is tackling apathy on campus.
From "Yapper" to Advocate
Hampton, who is also pre-law, explained that her interest in civic engagement was sparked by her love for debate and arguing. She joked that she’s always been a "professional yapper," but realized she could channel that energy to make a genuine difference and give a platform to others.
As a Loud Light Fellow, her work is challenging, self-scheduled, and completely nonpartisan. Her week involves strategic outreach, including setting up tables at the Student Union and Hale Library, and the less glamorous task of door-to-door canvassing.
"Any canvassing, it's really hard," Hampton said, admitting that she often expects the "no" when knocking on doors. She recounted the particularly "awkward" experience of crowd canvassing during the recent homecoming parade, where she had to ask uninterested crowds about voter registration.
Why Local Elections Matter to Wildcats
Hampton emphasized that for K-State students, local elections are not just abstract politics—they directly impact daily life. Because students pay taxes and tuition into the Manhattan community, they need a voice on:
● Rent and Housing: Decisions that affect local real estate and rental costs.
● Roads and Parking: The ongoing "nightmare" of parking and road maintenance.
● Community Resources: Where local tax dollars are allocated.
Hampton reminded listeners that many local races are often decided by only a handful of votes, meaning the student body has the power to swing an election if they show up.
Debunking Voter Myths
Hampton noted that many students are apathetic or find politics "scary." She says the most effective strategy is connecting voting to personal issues and keeping the process stress-free.
● Registration is Free and Fast: Registering takes less than three minutes on ksvotes.org.
● The Mail-In Advantage: Contrary to popular belief, advanced, mail-in ballots are not complicated. They actually make it easier by allowing voters to research candidates from the safety and comfort of home, without the anxiety of long lines.
● Out-of-State Students: Hampton shared a key piece of information: Most students from outside Kansas (like Missouri or Colorado) can register in Kansas using their college address without canceling their registration back home. This gives them options and eliminates the need to travel hundreds of miles to vote.
Ultimately, Hampton's passion comes from making information accessible. While she admits she would use a magic wand to change the culture and make people less scared of political conflict, her work ensures K-State students have the resources to be engaged now.
Need to register or update your address? Hampton advises visiting https://www.ksvotes.org/ right away.