TU one of just 9 institutions in U.S. with 85% student voter registration

Voting is a significant part of the Towson University culture

October 6, 2020

voting

Thanks to work being done by the Office of Civic Engagement & Social Responsibility, "Washington Monthly" has called Towson University one of America’s Best Colleges for Student Voting. TU is one of just nine institutions with a student voter registration rate above 85%, according to the magazine.

“Towson University's ability to engage and create opportunities for students is a differentiator," TU President Kim Schatzel says. "I am so very proud of our engaged student community, as well as the efforts by our students, faculty and staff to build voter turnout.”

TU marked National Voter Registration Day in late September with a bevy of activities online and in, albeit physically-distanced, person. Students and coaches from the athletic department took part in TU Athletes Vote initiative on Osler Bridge, waving signs to encourage people to register to vote.

on

Many student organizations, campus units and individual members of the TU community took to social media to share why they will be voting and resources to get registered and involved.

Luis Sierra, assistant director for civic engagement in TU’s Office of Civic Engagement & Social Responsibility, said registering is just the first step.

“Simply put, registering to vote is only half of the equation,” Sierra says. “Turning that registration into voter turnout is the goal, so that our students can meaningfully use their voices to advocate for the issues that they care about.”

A mail-in drop box is currently at South Campus Pavilion, which will also serve as a polling location on Election Day.

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland, BTU-Partnerships at Work for Greater Baltimore, Diverse and Inclusive Campus.