Political party membership has not declined since the presidential election. Participation, on the other hand, has.

“Membership has remained steady,” said Andrew Nelms, a senior history major and chairman of the College Republicans. Members have become energized by President George W. Bush’s message after winning the election, Nelms said.

“Our mailing list has increased since the elections,” said Donna Dalton, a junior political science major and president of the College Democrats.

Participation has declined since the election, Dalton said. People are not going to meetings and taking active roles.

A decline in political participation is not unusual, said Eileen Dubin, chair of the DeKalb County Democratic Party.

“There is going to be a short term drop off in political participation simply because the political process has a natural process to it,” said Daniel Kempton, chair and professor of political science. There are people who are thinking about the next presidential election, he said, but most people need a break in political participation.

Last semester, the College Democrats and College Republicans focused on the the national and state elections. This semester, both groups are focusing on spreading their messages. It is a goal of both groups to dispel the stereotypes associated with their party.

Promoting the Republican conservative message and letting people know the group is here is the College Republican’s mission this semester, Nelms said.

“The College Democrats need to get the message out there, I think there are a lot of misconceptions about what Democrats stand for,” said Kevin Malone, a junior political science major. The College Republicans are planning to bring speakers, have meetings and work with candidates, said Nelms.

The College Democrats are planning a movie night, working with local candidates and plan on attending a convention in April.