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Central Lakes College Staples Student Senate President Bri Adams received national recognition for her effort to advance nonpartisan student voter registration, education and turnout efforts in her community.
Adams is one of 137 college students recognized today by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) for its third annual Student Voting Honor Roll.
ALL IN’s Student Voting Honor Roll recognizes college students at participating campuses who have gone above and beyond to advance nonpartisan student voter registration, education and turnout efforts in their communities.
“Voting is crucial for college students, as it influences policies and decisions that directly affect their education, future prospects, and society,” Adams said. “By participating in the democratic process, they can influence legislation, education funding, and other issues that impact their lives. Additionally, College students should be passionate about voting as it allows them to shape their country, communities, and lives. They can advocate for policies aligning with their values, address issues like student debt, education access, and social justice, and ensure their voices are heard in decisions impacting them and future generations.”
Students were a driving force in getting their campuses registered and to the ballot box in 2023. All across the country, they helped their peers make their voices heard on critical ballot measures and local and state races. The Student Voting Honor Roll highlights students who played a key role in driving voter registration, education and turnout on their campuses. The diverse group of honorees spans 36 states, representing 20 community colleges, 20 Hispanic-Serving Institutions, 8 Historically Black Colleges & Universities, and 7 Asian American Native American Pacific Island Serving Institutions.
“Whether it’s a presidential election year or one with critical state and local races on the ballot, students have a powerful role to play in fostering active and engaged campuses and getting their peers to participate in our democracy. Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is honored to celebrate 137 student leaders who model nonpartisan democratic engagement,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. “These honorees hosted candidate information sessions, created guides on polling location accessibility, registered their peers to vote and so much more. We know these students will continue to make a difference in our democracy.”
Studies show that voting and democratic participation are habits that are built and strengthened over time. A recent survey from CIRCLE showed that 86% of under-35 youth who voted in 2022 and 72% of those who voted in 2020 consider themselves extremely likely to vote in 2024. Colleges and universities have an important role to play in encouraging their students to become active and engaged citizens at the ballot box and beyond.
