At this moment, the clock reads 02027011638. That is 2 years, 27 days, 1 hour, 16 minutes and 38 seconds on the Brandeis Libertarian-Conservative Union's countdown clock until political parties will battle in the 2012 presidential elections. In the meantime, students are working to ensure a quicker victory for their parties, immersing themselves in the fast-approaching midterm elections less than 4 weeks away. The midterm elections, which take place 2 years before the next presidential elections, are scheduled for Nov. 2. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election, as well as over 30 of the 100 Senate seats.

Political groups on campus are working to raise awareness for their parties before the elections and are giving students opportunities to be politically active.

The challenge for some students is to stay involved in the elections while being away from their home states where they are voting. "People don't want to make calls for someone else's congressman. People aren't where they are voting, so it can be hard to be involved," Hilary Nelson '12, campus coordinator for Democracy for America, says. Nelson interned this summer in Washington for her senator and congressman.

While the Republicans are hoping the midterm elections will allow them enough seats to gain a Republican majority, the Democrats are fighting to retain the majority they currently hold.

Brandeis Democrats have spent countless hours phone banking for candidates in tight races, including Paul Hodes, the Democratic candidate for Senate from New Hampshire, who is in a toss-up race against Kelly Ayotte. They have also made over 200 calls for Tim Bishop, the Democratic incumbent running for Congress in New York's first congressional district.

Many groups have taken their efforts off campus as well, arranging for students to attend important rallies and get involved in campaigning opportunities outside Massachusetts as well. DFA canvassed for Paul Hodes Oct. 9 in New Hampshire and hopes to do so again Oct. 23. Brandeis Democrats are showing their support in D.C. on Oct. 30 at the John Stewart-Steven Colbert rally. Brandeis Libertarian-Conservative Union is turning its attention this month to campaign for Charlie Baker, the Republican candidate for Massachusetts governor.

Brandeis Democrats and DFA will be tabling in Massell and North quads to encourage students to vote. "By and large, I think Brandeis students are pretty involved and aware, but I think freshmen need to get in there," Emily Herman '12, campaign coordinator for Brandeis Democrats, says. DFA has also reached out to the Brandeis Libertarian-Conservative Union for help with the event, according to Nelson.

"We reached out to them because we thought it would make people feel more comfortable than if it is just sponsored by one group," Nelson says. The Brandeis Libertarian-Conservative Union is also looking to raise voting awareness this month, according to Arthur Serer '11, vice president of the Brandeis Libertarian-Conservative Union.

Students are focusing on political issues in the upcoming elections that specifically concern college-aged students and that may be greatly affected by the outcome of the elections.

"The issues in these elections are the most relevant to college students. This is the stuff that most directly affects students. War happens far away, and social policy might not hit home. But whether or not social security is solvent when we retire, and what our taxes will be 50 years down the road, that hits home," Avi Snyder '13, director of communications for the Brandeis Libertarian-Conservative Union, says.

Snyder worked as an intern this past summer for the College Republican National Committee, which works to train college students to advocate for conservative ideals and focuses on youth-oriented political issues.

Though Serer feels students know what is at stake in the upcoming elections, he adds that many may not be particularly informed on many of the issues.

"I think, in general, people don't always pay attention to the world of politics. They look at the numbers and vote by their party, but people don't often keep track of their local representatives and specific issues," Serer says.

The midterm elections will serve as a crucial check on United States President Barack Obama and his legislation, according to Serer. "In '08, it was tempting to vote for Obama, but with everything that has been going on with the course of politics, it might take a bit of freshness out of the Obama fervor," Serer says.

The results of the midterm elections may highlight the frustrations people feel in response to measures that have been passed during Obama's term. "His support is not undue, but people might say he talked the talk but didn't walk the walk," Serer says.

The political mood at Brandeis is "apprehensive," according to Herman. She says students are worried about the outcome of November's elections.

"As voters, Brandeis students are historically, and will probably always be, left-leaning. But there will always be some swing from the general election. The trend of the country is moving toward the center. It's a pendulum, and won't stay as strongly liberal as the general election," Herman says.

While the Democrats may be climbing in the polls, Serer is confident in a Republican victory based on the current numbers. However, Serer is also confident that whatever party takes the majority, things will be different after the November elections. "No doubt about it, when the dust settles, it won't be the same legislative climate as it is now," Serer says, referring to the relative ease with which he thinks the Democrats can now pass legislation.

The race is still fair game for the Democrats to hold on to their majority. "I think we're going to turn out the votes. We know how important it is to stop the Tea Party, which has yet to show what they stand for," Herman says.

Though the Democrats and Republicans hold individual agendas for the upcoming elections, the groups are not opposed to discussion. "We're open to debate. It's important to continue dialogue and come together for issues that are bipartisan which the whole country needs to work on," Herman says.

Editor's note: Avi Snyder is a columnist for the Justice.