As Evanston’s April elections get closer, voter education has become a contentious topic for Northwestern students and city residents.

NU PicKs, a branch of Associated Student Governent, has been working to teach students about the election and register them to vote locally. And while many Evanston locals said they support students voting in the city’s election, that support hinges on whether students plan to educate themselves.

“I think that it’s wonderful if students want to get involved in the political process, but in local elections, you ought to be aware of what the issues are and make your decision based on your perception,” said Jeanne Lindwall, a candidate to replace Mayor Lorraine Morton.

Many Evanston residents said they shared Lindwall’s views.

“(Students) are part of the community. I think the more they’re involved in being part of the community, the more educated they’ll be,” said Meagan Novara, an Evanston resident. “It should be a cyclical process.”

Mike Markese, head of voter registration for NU PicKs, said the group plans to start registering voters this week.

“One of the problems right now is that students were voting without being educated,” the Weinberg freshman said.

Bob Welland, an Evanston resident and former NU math professor, recalled the controversy created by student involvement in the 2005 elections. That year, losing aldermanic candidate Judy Fiske sued winner Ald. Cheryl Wollin (1st) and NU for allegedly conspiring in a “vote-buying scheme.”

“Students just simply shouldn’t do that