UMass Dartmouth joins voter participation challenge

Jul 5, 2022

UMass Dartmouth has joined with 400 colleges and universities around the country, including other UMass schools, to strive toward full student registration and participation in elections by signing on to the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.

“As July 4th approaches and we prepare to celebrate freedom and the birth of our nation, let us remember that one of our greatest responsibilities as citizens is participating in the operations of democracy and exercising the right to vote,” said UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark Fuller, in a joint statement with other UMass chancellors. “Voting is a priceless right and a solemn duty. We encourage all of our 70,000 students to register to vote; to become well-informed on the issues facing their nation, state and community; to stay up-to-date on the election rules; and when the time comes, to cast their ballot.”

The pledge includes commitments to: designate staff to lead voter participation efforts, acknowledge the importance of student voices in elections, educate students to make informed decisions, empower the community to find solutions to common problems, and foster a culture that supports involvement in the election process.

College students, the statement advised, have voted at one of the lowest rates of any group in the U.S.