Row the Vote! CFANS celebrates National Voter Registration Day
September 17, 2024
CFANS supports the University of Minnesota "Row the Vote!" campaign leading up to Election Day on November 5, 2024. Learn more and make your voting plan.
LI YAN TAN, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION, BA '25
On September 17, 2024, CFANS took part in National Voter Registration Day, hosting a nonpartisan event outside 130 Coffey Hall/One-Stop & CFANS Advising Center from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. This event, as part of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities 2024 Voting Action Plan, aimed to make voter registration more accessible to the St. Paul Campus community, as these events are typically held on East and West Banks of the Twin Cities campus.
In partnership with the College of Design, Career and Internship Services, and CFANS’ own Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management undergraduate student Riley Hetland, who serves as USG Director of Civic Engagement, the event was a huge success, with nearly 250 forms filled out - 177 pledges to vote for the scholarship and 70 people registering to vote. During the event, a dedicated group of volunteers offered helpful guidance and information about the voting process. Even CFANS staff joined in, registering alongside students to ensure their voices are heard.
To brighten the hot day, organizers had refreshments ready for those stopping by, along with fun merchandise like "I Registered to Vote Today," "I Will Vote," and "UMN Proud" stickers, and even CFANS t-shirts! The passionate staff worked hard to make sure everyone felt welcome and prepared to take part in the democratic process.
One exciting feature of the event was the “Row the Vote” scholarship opportunity, open to students who registered as voters. By filling out a form, they could enter to win a scholarship, a great initiative to encourage civic engagement and inspire students to exercise their rights. One lucky student will be selected for the $5,000 scholarship during the election time. If you missed this event, don’t worry! They will be hosting more tabling events and visiting classes in the coming weeks. Students can also stop by the USG office on the second floor of Coffman Memorial Union and fill out a pledge.
We encourage everyone in our CFANS community to get out and vote. Your voice matters, no matter your political views. Voting is a vital part of being a responsible citizen, and by registering and casting your ballot, you're playing a key role in shaping the future of your community and country. Let's make our voices heard together!
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Minnesota provides you with three voting options. Learn more from M Vote, a new resource dedicated to providing voting information for UMN students, faculty and staff.
