Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.
– Franklin D. Roosevelt

Throughout this election season, Oglethorpe and its student organizations have put forth a strong effort to encourage students and the entire campus community to be active citizens and get out and vote.

This year, Oglethorpe has retained TurboVote, a service offered to students, faculty and staff at no cost. TurboVote is designed to guide voters through the initial registration process, and to deliver convenient reminders about local, state and national elections.

Throughout the semester, Oglethorpe’s Center for Civic Engagement has tabled with the New Georgia Project, a non-partisan voting advocacy effort, to encourage students to check their registration status and register to vote if they have not already done so. Students are also asked to submit issues relevant to voters to be discussed at two roundtable sessions, to be hosted by Politics faculty, scheduled for October 19 and November 7.

In September, the College Democrats hosted Voteroo, a voter registration drive and concert, designed to engage students in a new and fun way. At the drive, students were able to register to vote and get more information about voter absentee ballots for their home states. A resounding success, the event attracted approximately 250 students who enjoyed up-and-coming band Cereus Bright and food from local food trucks.

“Voter registration and general political efficacy is a key goal of College Democrats,” said Anna Gandy ’18, president of College Democrats. “For events centered on those goals, we aim to remain non-partisan so that we can reach the highest number of students.”

In further efforts to engage students and promote voter registration, College Republicans and College Democrats are co-hosting watch parties for all of the debates this election season, and Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Kappa Alpha are co-hosting a “Meet the Candidates” panel.

Check out the helpful infographic below, detailing absentee ballot and voter registration deadlines, created by Max Hannon ’19, treasurer of the Student Government Association at Oglethorpe.

Infographic detailing absentee ballot and voter registration deadlines, created by Max Hannon ’19.