How to Get College Students Excited About Voting
College students represent one of the most politically engaged yet inconsistent voting demographics. While many care deeply about issues like climate change, student debt, and social justice, turning that passion into actual votes remains a challenge. Voter turnout among 18- to 24-year-olds has historically lagged behind older groups, but with the right strategies, colleges and communities can bridge this gap. Here’s how to inspire students to show up at the polls—and make their voices count.
Understand the Barriers (Then Tear Them Down)
Before crafting solutions, it’s critical to identify why students don’t vote. Common obstacles include:
– Registration confusion: Many students are first-time voters unsure of how or where to register, especially if they attend school out of state.
– Logistical hurdles: Balancing classes, jobs, and voting can feel overwhelming. Students may not know where their polling place is or lack transportation.
– Lack of information: Misconceptions about voting requirements (e.g., “I need an ID from this state”) or uncertainty about candidates’ positions can deter participation.
– Apathy or cynicism: Some students believe their vote “doesn’t matter” or feel disconnected from the political process.
To address these issues, start by simplifying access. Colleges can host on-campus voter registration drives during orientation or campus events, providing clear guidance for in-state and out-of-state students. Partnering with organizations like TurboVote or Rock the Vote streamlines registration via mobile-friendly platforms. For logistical barriers, advocate for early voting options or mail-in ballots. Universities like UCLA have even arranged free shuttles to polling stations on Election Day, eliminating transportation worries.
Make Voting Social, Relevant, and Rewarding
Peer influence is powerful. When students see friends or classmates excited about voting, they’re more likely to participate. Campus groups—from fraternities to environmental clubs—can organize “pledge to vote” campaigns or friendly competitions between dorms or departments. For example, the University of Michigan’s “Turn Up Turnout” initiative uses peer ambassadors to share voting resources and host debate watch parties, framing civic engagement as a collective effort.
Tying voting to issues students care about also boosts motivation. Workshops that connect policy topics (like student loan reform or campus sustainability) to local elections make the stakes tangible. Professors can integrate voter education into coursework—say, assigning students to research ballot measures or analyze candidates’ platforms. When voting feels directly tied to their daily lives and futures, students are less likely to dismiss it as irrelevant.
Recognition helps, too. Some colleges offer nonpartisan “I Voted” stickers, free snacks, or small perks (discounts at campus cafes) to students who show proof of voting. These incentives create positive reinforcement without politicizing the act itself.
Meet Students Where They Are: Online
Today’s students are digital natives, so meeting them on social media and apps is nonnegotible. TikTok explainers about mail-in ballots, Instagram stories debunking voting myths, or Snapchat filters counting down to Election Day can cut through the noise. The University of Texas at Austin’s “Hook the Vote” campaign uses meme-style graphics and student testimonials to make voting feel relatable and urgent.
Text reminders are another low-effort, high-impact tool. Studies show that personalized SMS nudges (“Your polling place is 10 minutes away—need a ride?”) increase turnout by up to 3%. Universities can collaborate with groups like Vote.org to send deadline alerts or registration links directly to students’ phones.
Build a Culture of Civic Engagement Year-Round
Voting shouldn’t feel like a once-every-four-years chore. Campuses that embed civic participation into their culture see more consistent student engagement. For example:
– Pre-registration programs: High school partnerships can introduce voting basics before students even arrive on campus.
– Civic learning opportunities: Host year-round events like town halls with local leaders, volunteer fairs, or simulations of legislative processes.
– Student government collaboration: Encourage student leaders to promote voting as part of their platforms—and model participation themselves.
Programs like the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, which supports colleges in increasing student turnout, have shown that sustained efforts yield results. After implementing year-round voter engagement strategies, schools like UNC Chapel Hill and Arizona State University reported student voting rates above 60% in recent elections—well above the national average.
Final Thoughts: Trust Students to Care
The biggest mistake institutions make is underestimating students’ desire to make a difference. While barriers like apathy exist, research shows young people are eager to participate when they feel informed, empowered, and heard. By removing practical obstacles, fostering peer-to-peer advocacy, and integrating voting into campus life, colleges can transform students from passive bystanders into active citizens.
The next generation’s potential to shape society is enormous—but only if we give them the tools and trust to step into their power. When campuses prioritize accessible, inclusive, and engaging voting strategies, students don’t just show up at the polls. They bring their ideas, energy, and hope for the future with them.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » How to Get College Students Excited About Voting