As a university, part of our identity is being civically engaged…through service and active citizenship this is a chance for folks to really focus on that in the upcoming months.
Many college students will be casting their ballots for the first time in this November’s presidential election. To ensure these electoral newcomers are educated about where to vote and related issues, Bridgewater State University is offering the campus-wide initiative BSU Votes.
“Knowing how to vote is important. The ability to exercise our right to vote, no matter who you are voting for, is also important,” said Summa Slater, ’25, who serves as a voting and civic engagement ambassador as part of the initiative.
Organized through the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice (MRISJ), BSU Votes has been a resource for a number of years.
“As a university, part of our identity is being civically engaged…through service and active citizenship this is a chance for folks to really focus on that in the upcoming months,” said Jill Beckwith, executive director of MRISJ.
To help students navigate this year’s presidential elections, peer-to-peer support is being offered with students like Summa getting the word out.
“This is my first time voting, and it’s important for me to be educated, but to also educate my peers as well,” she said.
Throughout the fall semester, Summa and other ambassadors set up informational tables across campus to provide educational resources for students.
And students are hungry for information. Turnout has been positive, with 65 students checking in at Summa’s table during one session alone.
“It’s really made me realize that this work is so important,” she said. “If I wasn’t on this side of the table, I would want someone to be there to help me, to talk about voting.”
Aside from the tables, BSU Votes has a website chock full of information including registration deadlines and how out-of-state students can vote.
Events, including “Vote Fest” were held at the MRISJ building, on National Voter Registration Day, Tuesday Sept. 17. Participants grabbed a bite to eat from the Bear Bites food truck, signed up for raffles, and played games, all while creating a voting plan for November 5, 2024, aka Election Day.
Oct. 7-11 is National Voter Education Week and BSU Votes has more events planned.
On Monday, Oct. 7, a “What’s on Your Ballot” panel will be held in the Rondileau Student Union (RSU) 201, Council Chambers, from 10:10 to 11:20 a.m. This event will help explain the five questions on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Also that day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a “Get Vote Ready Election Fair” is slated to take place by the RSU fountain/backyard (rain location will be inside the RSU).
A “Voting Your Vibes” event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Dunn Conference Room, Crimson Hall.
On Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 12 to 2 p.m., lunch will be served during an “Engage, Advocate, Empower: A Civic dialogue,” held in the RSU Council Chambers.
And on Thursday, Oct. 10, “The Power of Young Voters” will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the RSU Demo Room.
Whether students attend the in-person events, check out the website for more resources, or stop by an informational table, the goal is to make information accessible for all who seek it.
“We want to provide materials that our students can engage with and feel comfortable digesting,” Beckwith said. “Learning about the issues, the candidates, how they want to vote…there is a lot at stake for voters and we want to make sure students are given the opportunities to ask any question.”
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