The general election is on everyone’s mind, and anticipation here on campus is rising exponentially. This was as evident as ever when we were out tabling with Brown Votes these past few weeks. Many students took initiative, coming up to us to learn how they could register. These same students brought their friends over to help them register to vote. Inquisitive peers asked us how requesting an absentee ballot works if they were registered in a different state. Some even showed us the absentee ballots they had just picked up from the mailroom.
With this level of excitement in the air, you would think that Brown students are enthusiastically preparing to show up to the polls, right?
Well, according to Brown Votes’ internal polling records, a dismal 32.1% of eligible Brown University students voted in the 2022 midterm elections. The department with the highest voter turnout, the Department of History, had a mere 37.0% of eligible students vote in the 2022 elections, with voter turnout in other departments such as Engineering as low as 16.0%. It seems clear that, while students might view voting as a civic duty, many are still unaware of how powerful their voices truly are.
With each vote counted, each ballot mailed in and each person engaged, our nation grows stronger. It can be easy to feel as though one vote isn’t significant, but it is. Important issues are on many states’ ballots, from abortion rights in Florida to immigrant voting rights in North and South Carolina. Presidential elections remain important, but ballot initiatives, local school board races and everything in between are equally vital. Voting grants us an incredible power to advocate for our communities, our families and our values. Whatever our beliefs, we can come together and use our voices in a uniquely democratic way.
There is still time to take part in this year’s elections. Depending on the state you are attempting to vote in, it may not be too late to start the process now. While it may not be possible to cast your ballot in state elections, any Rhode Island university student can still register and vote same-day in the presidential election. Same-day voter registration will be available at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 La Salle Square, Providence, RI 02903. If you need assistance, Brown Votes will be making group walks to the Amica Mutual Pavilion at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. on Election Day (leaving from our table on the Main Green).
Beyond voting, there are plenty of other ways to be civically engaged this election season. Tabling, text banking and canvassing are great ways to show support for a candidate you believe in. In today’s world, you also cannot underestimate the power of social media; use your platform — no matter how small — to spread the word about the people and causes dear to you. Have open and honest conversations with friends, family, classmates and colleagues about your voting plan on election day — they may not realize they can both register and vote on Election Day. The more we open our minds and extend our support to those we care for, the more efficiently we can spread democracy and encourage civic engagement.
Let’s make sure we vote for changes we would like to see. On Nov. 5, get out to the polls to advocate for the future you desire.
