A week from Election Day, as campaign messages heat up and inundate our phones, TVs and computer screens, WeVote is ramping up efforts to get students engaged in the democratic process.
Grace Boote fills out her ballot in the Bernhard Center clerk's office location.
"This is really a fundamental goal of higher education to prepare citizens to live in this democratic society," says Denise Keele, professor of political science and faculty co-chair of WeVote, a non-partisan group focused on increasing civic engagement on campus.
An important part of living in a democratic society, says WeVote co-chair Emily Duguay, is the freedom to express and debate important issues.
"Our differences are what we value in our communities, and that should include differences in opinion," she says. "Respecting differences in opinion, while trying to put ourselves in the shoes of others, will keep conversations and even debates with friends civil. Because when we actively listen to each other and try to appreciate other perspectives, we can come closer to understanding each other."
In Michigan and many other states, early voting is already underway, both in-person at clerks’ offices and through absentee ballots. The Kalamazoo city clerk has made it even easier for students to vote this year, opening a satellite office on campus in the Bernhard Center. Students can register to vote there with their on- or off-campus Kalamazoo address and vote in-person or drop off absentee ballots up to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. Hours of operation are available online as well as a list of documentation needed to complete the registration process.
"There are lots of ways to become civically involved. One of the easiest and first things should be voting," says Keele. "But there are these barriers about address and registering and knowing how that process works and sort of getting in the system. So, we're there to assist that process. Because once you do it once, then you can become a lifelong voter."
Boote proudly sports her "I Voted" sticker.
WeVote is encouraging students to vote early to avoid potentially long lines on Election Day. In addition to elevating awareness and connecting students with the tools they need to vote, the group is also committed to providing nonpartisan information about candidates and issues.
"The information comes from so many different sources that it can be really hard to know what's correct, especially now when you have everyone sharing things on social media," says Emma Baratta, WeVote student co-chair. "I think students are really feeling the importance of voting because we are in such a polarized time right now. And no matter what you believe, you're like, ‘I’ve got to vote to see this country go the direction that I want it to go, wherever it may be.' So, I think the passion and the energy is there. I think it's just about knowing how to do it.”
"At the end of a long and divisive election cycle, we cast our vote," adds Jeff Breneman, vice president for government relations, emphasizing that civility is at the core of civic engagement. "This is how we make our voice heard. When the dust settles and all ballots are counted, we need to find respectful ways to govern with the leadership chosen by voters."
WeVote is hosting a virtual panel discussion Tuesday, Oct. 27, where student leaders from across campus will discuss the voting process and why being involved is important to them. Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist will kick off the event, which begins at 6 p.m. and will stream live on Facebook and Youtube.