Kent State students and faculty have the chance to meet with government officials and Ohio policymakers tomorrow at the “2008 and Beyond: The Future of Election and Ethics Reform in the United States” symposium in Columbus.

Vernon Sykes, assistant professor of political science, said with the recent elections in Ohio and the 2008 presidential election coming soon, the department thought it would be good to bring in ideas about election control and ethical behavior to the “policymaking arena.”

“Ohio is at the front of the presidential elections, and, unfortunately, it is at the front when it comes to corruption too,” said Sykes, who will chair the conference. “We would like to challenge the policymakers in the capital.”

Ohio Attorney General Mark Dann and Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner will also discuss some of their ideas about ways to put ethics back into the state’s government.

Running from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the symposium is free and will include lunch.

The conference will be held at the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts at 77 S. High St. and will cover topics such as voting technology and campaign finance.

Sykes said the department will provide free transportation to anyone who would like to go.

Program Coordinator Kathleen Loughry said there are 30 seats available.

The bus will leave from Bowman Hall at 7:30 a.m. and return after the event.

More information regarding the event’s schedule or to secure a bus seat is available by contacting Loughry at (330) 672-8938.

Contact politics reporter Amadeus Smith at [email protected].