New report shows Oakland students civically engaged

New report shows Oakland students civically engaged
Voter Registration
On Tuesday, Sept. 26, in recognition of National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan coalition of student groups will have voter registration materials available at tables between North Foundation and South Foundation Halls.

September is National Voter Registration Month and a new report on the voting rates of college students found that Oakland University students vote at a higher rate than the national average. 

 

The National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement reported that more than 70 percent of Oakland students were registered to vote in 2016 and that the voting rate among those registered surpassed 80 percent. The overall voting rate of Oakland students was 56.7 percent, more than six percent higher than the national average for college students.

 

The full report is available here.

 

To build on this momentum, Oakland University leaders are encouraging more students to register to vote.

 

“Civic engagement is everyone’s responsibility,” said Glenn McIntosh, vice president for Student Affairs and chief diversity officer. “It’s an essential part of informed citizenship. So, it’s heartening to see that our students are active in the political process and making their voices heard.”

 

On Tuesday, Sept. 26, in recognition of National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan coalition of student groups including the Oakland University Student Congress, the College Republicans, the College Democrats, the John Quincy Adams Society and others will have voter registration materials available at tables between North Foundation and South Foundation Halls.

 

Students can also register to vote at the city clerk’s office in their city of residence, a Michigan Secretary of State branch office, or at a Department of Motor Vehicles office.

 

Students can check their voter registration status at Michigan.gov/vote.

 

To register to vote, you must be all of the following:

  • A U.S. citizen
  • At least 18 years old by Election Day
  • A resident of Michigan
  • A resident of the city or township where you are applying to register to vote

 

City general elections will be held throughout the state on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, Oct. 10.