Empowering Young Voices: The University of Minnesota's Inspiring Push for Voter Engagement

As the excitement of Welcome Week unfolds, the University of Minnesota's Undergraduate Student Government (USG) has taken a bold step in energizing student participation in democracy. With over a hundred new voters registered and more than 500 pledges to vote collected, the Row the Vote campaign is making waves on campus!

Row the Vote: A Mission with a Purpose

Originally launched as the Row the Vote Initiative in 2020, this campaign has been revitalized by USG since its takeover in 2022. With the upcoming presidential election on the horizon, Row the Vote is back in full force, aiming to educate students about their voting rights and responsibilities.

Engagement Strategies: Connecting with Students

• Tabling Events: During Welcome Week, USG hosted tabling events at the Campus Exploration Fair and Explore U at Huntington Bank Stadium to reach out to students directly.
• Class Visits: USG has prioritized class visits as a means to engage a diverse group of students effectively.
• Voter Registration Goals: This year, USG aims to register at least 3,000 students and secure 7,000 voting pledges while striving for a campus-wide voter turnout of 60%.

Joslyn Blass, USG's executive director of government and legislative affairs, emphasizes the importance of these strategies, stating, “Class visits are the most effective way to engage with a large and diverse group of students.” This approach not only raises awareness but also fosters a sense of responsibility among students about their role in upcoming elections.

Why Pledging to Vote Matters

Blass explains that many students are often already registered to vote. Encouraging them to pledge is a powerful reminder of their civic duty. She notes, “Pledging to vote has multiple benefits. Studies show that once someone pledges, they are more likely to follow through.” Furthermore, these pledging forms help USG follow up with students, offering reminders and support as they navigate their voting plans.

Exciting Upcoming Events

Riley Hetland, the USG director of civic engagement, is spearheading efforts to maximize voter registration through various Row the Vote events leading up to the election. A key highlight is National Voter Registration Day on September 17, which Hetland describes as a pivotal moment for engaging policymakers and students alike.

“We’re bringing in as many policymakers as possible to explain the importance of voting, no matter who you support,” Hetland shared. This proactive approach helps demystify the voting process for students and emphasizes the value of their participation.

A Personal Commitment to Engagement

For USG Vice President Clara Jünemann, the drive to engage others in the electoral process is deeply personal. As an immigrant who fought for her right to vote, she is passionate about helping students become informed and involved citizens. “It’s really beautiful to see how many students show up on election day. I’m excited to see the impact we can make this year,” she said.

Empowering the Next Generation

Hetland’s vision for Row the Vote is clear: she wants students to feel empowered in their voting rights. “It’s critical that young people vote because we’re granted this opportunity to take part in our government,” she stated. “No matter who you vote for, you deserve to have your voice heard.”

What’s Next for Row the Vote?

As the campaign gears up for the election, USG continues to leverage innovative strategies to engage and empower students. With a focus on education, outreach, and community building, Row the Vote is not just a campaign; it’s a movement to elevate young voices in the democratic process.

What do you think?

• Do you believe efforts like Row the Vote truly make a difference in voter turnout among young people?
• How can universities better support student engagement in the electoral process?
• Should voting be mandatory for university students to foster civic responsibility?
• What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of class visits as a strategy for voter engagement?
• Do you think political campaigns should focus more on educating young voters rather than just promoting candidates?