#RIDERVOTES initiative aims to increase student voting rates

In the 2012 presidential election between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, only 38 percent of young adults 18 to 24 turned out to vote, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Only one in two of their older peers — ages 25 to 44 — cast a vote.

This year, millennials appear to be even less excited by the candidates and the prospect of making their voice heard at the ballot box. Several student and staff organizations at Rider University have banded together to try and reverse those trends among students through a series of non-partisan events called #RIDERVOTES that include a registration drive, social media challenge and voting rights rally.

“Rider University encourages all students to register to vote so they can participate in the 2016 presidential election on Nov. 8,” says Dr. Pamela Pruitt, director of Rider’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. “And it’s not enough for them to vote; we want them to vote responsibly in choosing the next leader of one of the most powerful countries in the world.”

The registration drive will take place over three days in October in several locations on both of Rider’s campuses, in Lawrenceville and Princeton. Those who register will receive a special #RIDERVOTES lapel pin.

In addition, registered students will be able to take a photo inside an actual voting booth and post the picture on social media while challenging other students to register and vote as well. “This is our version of the ice-bucket challenge for ALS funding that proved so successful a couple years ago,” says Dr. Ben Dworkin, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, which is dedicated to public service and scholarly analysis of government, public policy, campaigns and elections in New Jersey. “We are hoping that our students will seize the opportunity to engage as citizens and motivate their peers to do the same.”

The registration drive will culminate with Unity Day on Oct. 5, which will feature a Voting Rights Rally and special guest speakers from Washington, D.C. Rep. Terri A. Sewell (AL-7), the first black woman to ever serve in her state’s congressional delegation, will appear for a talk with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), who represents Rider and is also the first black woman to ever serve in her state’s congressional delegation. Both have been strong advocates for voting rights.

“Historically, young people have the lowest voting rates of all age groups,” says Dr. Pruitt. “Any substantial increase in their participation has the potential to affect the outcome of the election and have it reflect their values.”

For the Nov. 8, 2016, election, the voter registration deadline in New Jersey is Tuesday, Oct. 18. The #RIDERVOTES campaign has been registered into the National Study of Learning, Voting & Engagement (NSLVE) and the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. NSLVE provides a service to colleges and universities interested in learning about their students’ voting habits, as well as a national database for research on college student voting and, more broadly, political learning and engagement in democracy. By participating in NSLVE, Rider will learn the registration and voting rates of its students for the 2012, 2014 and 2016 elections.

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge recognizes institutions committed to improving democratic engagement, increasing student voter participation rates, and graduating students with a lifelong commitment to being informed and active citizens. It also awards exemplary efforts in these same areas.

More than 900 campuses already participate in the study. By joining the study, Rider will receive a tailored, confidential report indicating the registration and voting rates of its students, who remain confidential through participation and have the ability to opt out when they enroll.

#RIDERVOTES events are presented by The Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics, Student Government Association, Bonner Scholars, Leadership Development Program and Residence Life.

For more information, call ext. 7294 or email [email protected].