Northwestern students see the political process in person - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Thursday's debate was the second time this month that Northwestern College has drawn politicians to town.

Three weeks earlier, Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney rallied voters on campus.

This attention gives students a unique opportunity, since many are voting for the very first time.

"I guess it's good.  It gets us involved more and we know more what's going on," said Abby Stevens a Freshman getting set to vote in her first election.

"I think it's interested because, even in my country, we don't go to political things.  So, ya it's kind of interesting to see how it's like," said Shalomi Soondrum a freshman who hails from the country of Mauritius.

"It was really cool to see just what a rally looks like, especially in small town Orange City.  That kind of thing doesn't happen very often," pointed out Daniel Locker, a senior who will vote in his first presidential election.

"It's pretty awesome, because you know it's a small town of 5-6,000 people and we get all this attention goes to show that every vote does count.  Big cities, small town, they all matter," added Tyler Vermeer, a senior who will vote in his second presidential race.