Collaborative programming eases student anxiety around voting

With the presidential election just weeks away, Washington State University campuses across the system are busy educating students about the democratic process, introducing them to the issues and candidates, and helping them register to vote.

"People are energized right now," said Ben Calabretta, director of the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE). "We can see it during our interactions with students - they are excited to participate in the election."

Their excitement does not always translate into knowing how to participate. For many students, this election will be their first time voting and they are unfamiliar with the process. Calabretta said students often have questions about where they can access voter registration forms, which address they should use on the form - their school address or permanent address, what type of identification they need, and where can they drop off their ballot.

To help address these questions and many more like them, Calabretta coordinates the Cougs Vote Campaign, which brings together students, faculty, and staff from across the system who are planning and implementing voter education activities and programs. Interactions with students are taking place in residence halls, classrooms, union buildings, and student organization meetings.

Many students believe their votes don't matter. We want to educate students on how their votes hold more value the more local you get.

T Rozhkova, director of internal legislative affairs
Associated Students of Washington State University Vancouver

Zoe Pfeifer, the director of legislative affairs for the Associated Student of Washington State University Tri-Citiesis organizing monthly voter registration drives, and has a special event planned for Oct. 10 when students can meet and talk with six congressional members from their district.

"The purpose of this event is to help students understand that those who represent them are people, too, and it is okay to reach out to them," Pfeifer said.

While the presidential election is getting most of the attention, T Rozhkova, the director of internal legislative affairs for the Associated Students of Washington State University Vancouver, wants students to know that their votes can make a big difference at the local level. Pointing to the recent Washington primary election, a recount was needed in the Commissioner for Public Lands race because the difference between second and third place was less than 50 votes.

"Many students believe their votes don't matter," said Rozhkova. "We want to educate students on how their votes hold more value the more local you get."

Rozhkova and his team are planning a Floats for Votes gathering on Oct. 22, 11 a.m., in Firstenberg Commons, that will bring together students, and local and state legislative candidates. Pizza, floats, and swag will be provided.

Building a culture of student engagement

Calabretta said these kinds of events make a difference with student voter participation. During the 2020 presidential election 73% of WSU students voted, much higher than the 66% national average for college students. Some of the credit goes to the convenience of mail in ballots, but collaborative events implemented across campuses have built a culture around elections that spurs student interest, information sharing, and involvement.

WSU has been named a Voter Friendly campus three times by the Campus Vote Project and NASPA, a national organization for student affairs professionals, for its efforts to educate students and make voting more accessible. It most recently received the honor for the 2023-24 academic year.

Looking ahead, there are many more events such as the continuation of the 2024 Election Speaker Series sponsored by the WSU Foley Institute, and a Public Square discussion on free speech, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m., in the CUB's Butch's Den. In November, students and the WSU community will be able to register to vote and access voter information at special voting hubs on WSU campuses. The hubs are planned in response to state legislation that passed in 2020, calling for campuses to make voting information accessible to students.

Calabretta said the voting hubs, and all the activities, are critical to making sure students have a voice in what happens in America.

"Research shows that when people vote the first time, they are likely to continue voting in the future," Calabretta said. "These activities help students develop voting habits that they will continue to use as they go through life."

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