Binghamton became a hub of political activity over the past week as presidential hopefuls stopped in the local area to campaign before the New York state primary on April 19.

Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders hosted a rally in the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena on April 11, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz held a town hall in the Forum Theatre on Friday, former President Bill Clinton campaigned for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Saturday in the West Gym and their daughter, Chelsea Clinton, spoke to community members in the Lost Dog Café on Sunday. Republican candidate Donald Trump did not stop in Binghamton, but did hold a rally in Syracuse on Saturday.

Nick Doran, a Vote Everywhere Ambassador for the Andrew Goodman Foundation and a senior majoring in economics, said that campaign events will spark more voter participation among students and in the Southern Tier.

“The recent candidate visits will increase turnout because the rallies and Q & A forums really engage people in the political process,” Doran wrote in an email. “There is nothing more exciting in politics that makes you want to go out and vote than attending the political rally of your candidate, or any candidate for that matter.”

According to Binghamton Mayor Rich David, the local area’s recent exposure to campaign events will lead to more informed and involved voters.

“Any time a presidential candidate of either party comes to the city of Binghamton or the Southern Tier is very significant and positive because it gives all of the voters an opportunity to hear from the candidates directly,” David said.

Many students are unsure of where or how to vote on election days and they are not alone. According to The Nation, 27 percent of New Yorkers will be unable to vote in the primary election because they are not properly registered.

In an effort to combat complacency, the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) hosted voter outreach events for on-campus students, such as a March 17 “Shamrock the Vote” event. New York Public Interest Research Group also registered over 1,000 students to vote this semester.

The CCE also has a variety of resources on its website for student voters. There is information on the candidates and their platforms, registering to vote, voting on campus and absentee voting. Students who live on-campus and are registered to vote locally can do so in the Mandela Room on Tuesday.

According to Doran, student-voter participation is vital this election season and will hold weight for the country’s political future.

“Young people, especially students are quickly becoming one of the largest voting blocs in the country and I think it is important for students to exercise their right to vote,” Doran wrote. “We are the future of this nation and it’s critical that our voices are heard as the current leaders shape our tomorrow.”