Nearly 80 students attended the BYU Political Affairs Society's trip to the Utah State Capitol this year — a big increase from the usual 40 to 50 participants.
"I think it is really important for college students to be educated politically because, especially today, we have a lot going on in politics, Kendra Pinegar, president of BYUPAS, said. "I feel like it's almost impossible to go an entire day without hearing something that's being done, whether by a president or being done in Congress."
The group visits the capitol each year to learn about state government and see it in action. Students explore key rooms, including those where the House of Representatives, Senate, and Supreme Court meet to debate important legislation.
"A citizen government needs citizens to participate. So the more involvement and the more understanding you have of government, the more likely you are to get involved," Utah State Auditor Tina Cannon said.
The trip also provided students the opportunity to connect with influential political leaders, such as U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy and newly-elected U.S. Attorney General Derek Brown.
"I (suggest), at the very bare minimum, just being at your state Capitol," Dallin Bundy, historian for BYUPAS, said. "How many people have not walked the halls of their own state capitol, where these are the halls of the people? These are your hallways, and I wish more people would be aware of their own government."