Members of both Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the Nashville chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People have spent hours on campus and in downtown Nashville registering people to vote.

"This is important because (organizations) can go out anywhere and support a particular candidate, but it's pretty useless unless you're (first) addressing people who aren't registering to vote," said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and NAACP member junior Justin Amaker.

Focusing their efforts on the Deadrick Street and 5th Avenue bus stop, members have noticed that African American women ages 25-30 and people who registered to vote in a different county are the ones who are being affected the most.

However, students have not limited their activities to just registering those of age to vote. NAACP member sophomore Jade Wallace, who has spoken with several students who aren't eligible to vote, said she thinks it's important that they're educated about the issues regardless.

"I remember we had a mock election in my elementary school," said Wallace. "It was a good experience, and it's really important to go to the high schools and talk to the students even though it's not their time. They need to know (the issues) and be informed as well."

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and NAACP member senior Jeremy Gunn said registering people to vote is just as important as convincing voters to ally themselves with a specific party. The NAACP played a prominent role during the Civil Rights Movement in getting blacks registered to vote.

"The NAACP has taken a hard stance in voter registration," said Gunn. "The main tenet of the organization is getting people to vote (especially since people died registering to vote). It's all about having your voice heard."

Members of the NAACP plan to inform people about early voting options as Election Day draws near.