2020 Election and Voter Registration
Ensuring record high student turnout
NEW:Â Fall Move-in registration
This year I was able to secure a spot for ASMSU at Fall Move-in. There, we will be able to offer voter registration to students moving in, ensuring we are in contact with every. single. student living in the dorms. As always, this is data driven. Two other universities (Stony Brook and Northwestern) have boasted impressive results from this strategy, each insisting that they have voter reg numbers upwards of 90%!
Class flexibility for Election Day
This year we made great strides working to put Election Day on the academic calendar as a day off school for future students. While this is likely to happen soon, covid-19 pushed planning back and so it will likely not happen for November 2020.
For this, I suggest petitioning professors, asking them to either cancel classes on Election Day or move exams and large assignments to a different day. I will work with the GA, my office, and our ASMSU team to email every department and every dean in an effort to accomplish this.
"Why I Vote" Video
I hope to create a fun "Why I Vote" video with current students, GA members, administrators, and sports coaches to publicize the election and ensure students feel passionate about casting their vote. The idea here is to involve everyone and help diffuse tension around what is bound to be a very polarized election. I hope to remind students of the importance of participating in elections and harnessing our collective voice at the ballot box.
(SIDE NOTE: to the left is a photo of me after voting for the first time at 18! I had just voted in a special election for my state representative.)
Continue dorm-door knocking campaign
For the past two years we have orchestrated dorm-door knocking campaigns that registered thousands of students. We also registered students to vote at orientation and other large events. I hope to continue this important effort that aids a large number of students.
Presidential Election Forums
The November 2020 presidential election is likely going to have many students on both sides. As we know, 2016 was particularly polarizing. I want to ensure that every student feels safe sharing their opinion respectfully. In an effort to deescalate tensions that may arise, I hope to host multiple discussion forums centered around the election and respectful discourse.
Election Day Celebrations
Studies show that holding celebrations or carnival-like events around Election Day is one of the most effective strategies in encouraging voter turnout. I have already been working with the university to schedule and plan fun events for students to participate in on Election Day.
1) This creates a celebratory attitude around voting, ensuring voters will have a positive association and experience with elections.
2) If students are already coming out to a fun speaking event or carnival, they are more likely to go out to their polling place as well.
Off-campus student Voters
More than half of our students live off-campus. This means that they likely vote off-campus as well. To combat a long-overlooked issue, I have a plan to work with D2L and landlords to ensure materials for registration, voting rights, and information on elections and candidates reaches the hands of those off-campus students.
Ensuring shorter lines to vote
During the March 2020 primary, some students waited hours in line at the City Clerk's office to vote due to recently changed Michigan voter laws. After classes, I stayed and assisted the clerk and her team for six hours, ensuring every student got to vote that night. No student should have to wait hours to vote. I hope to work closely with the clerk and the Secretary of State, both people and places I have formed important connections with, to ensure they have enough trained officials to run November 2020 elections smoothly.
