Courtesy of Camels Vote
In the fall of 2020, students inspired by their Politics of Voting Reforms class worked with the Holleran Center to create Camels Vote: an ambitious, student-centered program aimed at encouraging civic engagement and fostering a culture of voting amongst students, faculty, and staff on campus. With the 2024 election just around the corner, here’s what you should know about Camels Vote’s mission.
Increasing Voter Registration/Participation
For many of my peers, this is their first time voting in a national election, and it can feel overwhelming. That’s where Camels Vote comes in.
As a student ambassador for Camels Vote, my role is to be a resource for other students. We help students register to vote depending on their state’s mandates, assist in the receiving of absentee ballots, and show them how to check voter registration deadlines. But it’s more than just the logistics of voting— we also talk about why voting matters, both on a national and local level. National elections are a way to bring your views and beliefs one vote closer to implementation in the Oval Office. Local elections, though consistently overlooked by voters, allow you to contribute to the governing that directly impacts yourself and your community every day. Students must understand that voting gives them a voice in shaping the policies that are important to them.
In an effort to further encourage voter registration, Camels Vote has partnered with the All In Campus Democracy Challenge’s Pledge to Vote. By signing the pledge, members of the Connecticut College community commit to staying informed, encouraging others to vote, and exercising their right to vote in every election, whether local, state, or national.
If you cannot attend our various tabling events around campus, we also post updates on deadlines and requirements on our Instagram @camelsvote to promote accessible information. In the bio of the account, you can find a Linktree with all of the voting resources you may need and information that you may be unsure about.
Civic Engagement Beyond Voting
Camels Vote isn’t just for students who are eligible to vote. Many students, particularly international students, can’t cast a ballot. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a voice or a role in the democratic process, especially within the Conn community.
Further, we believe that civic engagement doesn’t stop on Election Day. For students who can’t vote, or those looking for ways to get involved beyond the ballot box, we encourage participation in community events such as civic volunteer work and policy discussions.
We encourage all students, regardless of voting eligibility, to take part in political discussions and events on campus. Whether it’s joining a debate watch party, attending a talk by a guest speaker, or simply discussing with friends, students can contribute to the broader political conversation. These opportunities help develop critical thinking skills and foster a sense of responsibility toward the issues that affect us all.
Building Community
Camels Vote believes in fostering a strong sense of community by bringing together voters, non-voters, students, and staff through our volunteer opportunities and tabling events. Through tabling events, volunteers from different backgrounds come together to educate peers about the importance of voting, help with registration, and provide information on how to stay informed. These events create opportunities for educational dialogue, where even those unable to vote can contribute by volunteering or raising awareness. This collective effort builds a culture of engagement, responsibility, and shared purpose on campus.
No matter who you are, there are undoubtedly issues on the ballot that are of importance to you. 40 million Gen-Z people ages 18-24 will be eligible to vote in this election, a historical impact that undoubtedly will leave its mark on the election if we get out and vote. Many students at Conn feel very strongly about politics and the importance of voting in this upcoming election, and that is exactly the passion that the Camels Vote team and its volunteers have. Building a community of people who share a passion for voting and want to share it with their peers is what we strive to do.
If you are someone who would like to be involved with Camels Vote, everyone is welcome! Camels Vote can make a difference, and it starts with each and every one of you.
Disclaimer
As mentioned in the article, I am an ambassador for Camels Vote. My support of the initiative is through the lens of one who actively engages with them, so I have a bias on the topic.
