Video by Kate Winkle

U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, D, came to the Colorado State University campus Thursday afternoon to encourage students to vote in the 2014 election.

Polis was on the plaza outside of the Lory Student Center walking around answering questions from anyone who cared to stop near the Rock the Vote booth. Polis is running against George Leing, R, for the Colorado District 2 seat.

This year, the midterm elections bring issues about the affordability of college, GMO labeling, marijuana and getting the younger generation to vote.

“Whether it is our long term stability, our national debt, or what happens in the next generation, young people have more at stake than anybody else,” Polis said.

Polis said he is planning on making college more affordable by reducing student loan interest rates, among other things.

“I want to reduce the cost of textbooks by encouraging (collaborative), open-source textbooks and encourage innovations like online education which will provide for more cost effective education,” Polis said.

Some students are in support of candidates interacting with students on campus.

“I think I would much rather have the politician here than their supporter,” said Jessianne Turner, freshman undeclared major. “It puts a name to the face.”

Polis said that he supports GMO labeling in Proposition 105.

“Fundamentally this would be a lot more transparency and information that consumers want to know,” Polis said.

Polis felt that the removal of the Collegian papers after being accused of “electioneering,” was a violation of free speech and freedom of the press.

“That was absurd,” Polis said. “It was ridiculous, obviously (the Collegian) was covering both sides, and if there is a picture of one on one day, there is a picture of one the other day … no other newspaper has been singled out for that kind of removal.”

Polis also spoke on the legalization of marijuana and the controversy surrounding edibles.

“In general it has gone fairly well, but others are looking at following our lead,” Polis said. “There has been some discussion about better labeling requirements (for edibles) and steps to keep them away from kids,” Polis said.

Polis emphasized the importance of young voters’ participation while on campus.

“We are the generation that is deciding everything,” said Audra Bergman, junior human development and family studies major.

Students can mail in their ballot with two stamps, or deliver it to a polling booth on or before election day, Nov. 4. There is a polling booth in the Lory Student Center, which allows people to drop-off a ballot or cast their vote.

“It is so convenient that the LSC has a drop-off,” said Elizabeth Lewis, senior social work major. “It encourages students to vote.”

Collegian Assistant Editor Christina Vessa can be reached at news@collegian.com or Twitter @Chrissyvessa.