The University of Dayton College Democrats have re-emerged on campus this fall for the first time in eight years.

The organization was reinstituted by sophomore Daniel Rajaiah and senior Kevin Lolli, who said they felt a Democratic voice was needed on campus.

According to Rajaiah and Lolli, at a university where a Republican presence has been strong throughout the years, they felt it was their duty to create a forum for Democrats as well.

"It's always concerning when there is only one voice on campus," said Lolli, a political science major and the organization's vice president. "We believe there should be dialogue on competing views and issues, and that's what we sought to do."

The group's aim is to get UD students excited about and involved in the political process, as well as to raise awareness about Democratic candidates at the local, state and national levels, according to Rajaiah and Lolli. They feel this goal is especially pertinent with midterm elections coming up this November.

The organization made its official debut at this year's Up the Orgs event on Friday, Aug. 27, and several students said they were interested in joining, according to Rajaiah and Lolli. At the event, Joe Roberts, Democratic nominee for Ohio's 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, was on hand to support the UD College Democrats, as well as introduce himself to his local constituents. Throughout the day, the group also registered both Democrats and Republicans for November's midterm elections.

"We want both Democrats and Republicans registered," said Rajaiah, the organization's president. "While we support the Democrat cause, one of our main goals is to get people, especially college students, to the polls to make a difference."

As an organization, the UD College Democrats have weekly meetings to discuss current political issues. In addition to meetings, the organization intends to schedule an array of state leaders to speak at UD, according to Rajaiah and Lolli. Currently, democrat Eric Brown of the Ohio Supreme Court is set to speak on campus Wed., Oct. 13. This event is open to the public.

"We are trying to get politicians to come and understand UD," Lolli said. "We want to show the leaders that students today have a voice."

Rajaiah and Lolli said they realize some students may be weary about joining, thinking all the group does is discuss and debate politics. While political dialogue is part of their mission, both leaders said they want the group to be entertaining and engaging for all. One of their primary goals is to get college students excited about politics.

The group plans on having several social events throughout the year, including a cookout, debate watch parties, and an ice cream and bowling night. Rajaiah encourages all students to consider joining the club as a way to gain a political voice.

"We don't want to be a group that sits around and just talks," Lolli said. "We want it to be social and fun and make it a positive atmosphere."

More information about the College Democrats can be found on the group's Facebook page, University of Dayton College Democrats, or on their website, udcollegedems.webs.com. Additionally, students can contact Rajaiah at udaytondems@gmail.com or 513-582-3114 for more information. The group meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Humanities Building Room 257.