Register to vote, celebrate history at Constitution Day

Uncover the “Hidden Constitution,” register to vote, apply for an internship or sign up to volunteer in the community at UIC’s Constitution Day event Sept. 17.

The annual event, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Student Center East, celebrates the history of the Constitution and delves into trending and controversial topics.

“We want to discuss the living Constitution and what it means today,” said Dick Simpson, head of political science and former Chicago alderman.

This year’s event also gives students and employees a chance to register to vote. “We’re trying to register 1,000 students,” Simpson said.

Matthew Lippman, professor emeritus in criminology, law and justice, gives a keynote address at noon on “The Hidden Constitution: National Security, Electronic Surveillance and Privacy in an Age of Terror” in 302 Student Center East. Lippman will look at issues of electronic surveillance and privacy.

“It’s meant to be a real discussion carried out through the year,” Simpson said.

Constitution Day begins a series of opportunities for civic engagement on campus and throughout the city, including a talk by Ald. Ed Burke Sept. 24, speakers from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Sept. 29 and the National Student Issues Convention Oct. 31.

“The best part is seeing all of the different offices and departments become one coalition,” said Undergraduate Student Government president Jacob Schulz.

Internship programs and organizations looking for student volunteers will also be in attendance. Students can register to vote online on the department of political science website.