TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — After years of silence, the College Democrats are back on Troy University’s campus.

The groups’ president said the College Democrats are ready to make an impact by giving students a platform to engage in politics.

“I think my main reasoning for the reignition of this organization was to continuously mobilize students and educate those same students to have their own values, not those of which that are echoed from people constantly around them,” said College Democrats President Markcus Cooper.

The organization’s return comes at a time when young voters are playing a critical role in local and national elections. Cooper said the organization’s initial goals are to build membership, host events, and bring students into the political process.

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“I think we’ll go back to a very common form that most groups in the College Democrats of America use and it’s just tabling. The best thing that we can do is talk to people over and over and over again. Even though like a lot of students here might not be leaning more towards the democratic ideology, I think it’s still important for everyone to participate in their civic duty, which is voting.”

While the organization continues rebuilding, Cooper said he wants students and community members alike to know the organization is standing by and is ready to leave its mark.

“We want to grow this this organization to where it stands on its own. We want to continue to stamp our place here on campus and let people know that we’re here to support, nurture, and acknowledge everyone’s opinions.”

One thing’s clear, the College Democrats are back, and they say they are here to stay.