Hopkins encourages civic participation at National Voter Registration Day

On Sept. 17, students gathered at the Beach for National Voter Registration Day, an annual event dedicated to encouraging civic participation. Hosted by Hopkins Votes and the Center for Social Concern (CSC), the event aimed to provide students with resources to register to vote and prepare for the upcoming election cycle.

National Voter Registration Day (NVRD), which began in 2012, is celebrated every September in the U.S. This year, NVRD partnered with over 5,500 organizations nationwide to promote civic engagement and make voter registration more accessible. Since its inception, it has been responsible for helping millions of Americans register to vote, underscoring the critical role that university organizations like Hopkins Votes play in ensuring that every voice is heard.

The event drew undergraduate and graduate students from various backgrounds. Among them was freshman Alexis Weiss, who emphasized the event’s personal significance for her. 

"I’ve always wanted to be able to get involved in the electoral process, so I started attending events and volunteering with organizations," Weiss shared. "To me, voting and getting involved in democracy is the best way to keep it alive. Democracy depends on every citizen getting involved and excited about their duties, obligations and rights."

Weiss, like many students attending the event, reflects a growing trend of youth participation in electoral processes. The 2020 election saw a historic increase in young voter turnout. According to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, there was an 11-point increase in the number of voters ages 18–29 from the 2016 presidential election to that of 2020. Weiss’ comments provide some insight into these trends. 

Weiss also highlighted her dedication to mobilizing others. 

"I’m especially interested in getting people excited about voting because a lot of people in my community are apathetic about the democratic process. Voting is a potent way to get people connected to the American office," she said.

This event also showcased the work of organizations like Hopkins Votes to mobilize students. Junior Arionna Bell, student co-director of Hopkins Votes, underscoring the role the organization plays on campus. 

“Hopkins Votes is a nonpartisan organization by students, for students. The main goal is to highlight the importance of voter registration and provide them with all of the resources to make it happen,” Bell explained. 

Bell also emphasized the importance of electoral participation regardless of political affiliation.

"Regardless of what party you are, or how you feel, we want your voices to be heard, especially since we are entering into a very critical election season," she said. "It is important that this young new generation has their voices heard."

Throughout the event, students were encouraged to register using different methods. Tables set up across The Beach offered physical voter registration applications for those who preferred to submit their forms by mail. In addition, QR codes allowed students to access online registration forms. Resources for absentee mail-in voting were also available for out-of-state students, ensuring that every student had a way to vote, regardless of where they were registered.

During the event, free t-shirts were distributed by the First Generation Limited-Income (FLI) Network to those who showed proof of voter registration. Jay the Blue Jay made an appearance, further drawing in students and spreading Hopkins spirit amidst the student body’s civic engagement. For more information on voter registration and upcoming events, students can visit the Hopkins Votes website.